Our Deadline Stays – INEC Reminds Political Parties

By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has reminded Political Parties that it would not extend its June 3 deadline for the conclusion of all primary elections.

This was contained in a press release on Thursday signed by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye.

According to Okoye, all the 18 political parties had submitted their dates for primary elections in line with INEC’s timetable for primaries from April 4 to June 3.

He, therefore, reminded the parties that they all had one month left to ensure the emergence of candidates for each of the offices.

INEC reminder may be due to the plan by some of the political parties to change the dates for the conduct of their primaries.

Okoye added that “It will be recalled that on 26th February 2022, the Commission released the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election.

“It provides for parties to conduct their primaries for the nomination of candidates from 4th April to 3rd June 2022.

“In compliance with section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, all 18 political parties have served the required notices indicating the dates for their conventions, congresses, and primaries for the purpose of nominating candidates for various elective offices as specified in the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

“Some of the parties have already commenced the process for which the Commission has deployed staff to monitor the exercise as required by law.

“Given the importance of the exercise to the emergence of candidates for the various elective positions for the 2023 General Election, it is imperative to remind political parties that they have one month from today to conclude their primaries. The deadline remains Friday 3rd June 2022.”

While urging the parties to ensure rancour-free and transparent exercise, Okoye reiterates that the deadline is firm and fixed.”

He also added that parties are expected to submit their list of candidates who emerged from “valid primaries” on the INEC portal during the timeline stipulated.

“Nominations for Presidential and National Assembly elections shall be submitted through the INEC web portal from 10th to 17th June 2022, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly nominations shall be submitted between 1st and 15th July 2022.

“Political parties are further reminded that they must submit to the Commission the list of candidates who must have emerged from valid primaries.”