The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the nomination process for the upcoming governorship election in Edo State, scheduled for September 21. Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, confirmed the opening of the candidates' nomination portal in a chat with Vanguard.

Last week, INEC announced that political parties have until March 24, 2024, at 6:00 PM to file their nominations for the election. The commission emphasized that there would be no extension granted beyond the stipulated deadline and urged political parties to adhere strictly to the timeline.

INEC's National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, reiterated the importance of adhering to the nomination timeline. He reminded political parties that the deadline for conducting primaries had expired on February 24, 2024, as outlined in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.

According to Olumekun, the next step in the process is for political parties to submit nomination forms via the dedicated online portal within a 20-day period. He emphasized that this timeframe is sufficient for parties to upload the forms of only two candidates per party, specifically the governorship candidate and their running mate.

Meanwhile, Mr. Dennis Idahosa, an aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary, has written to the INEC Chairman, urging the commission not to recognize any other candidate apart from himself. In a letter dated March 4, 2024, Idahosa's legal representative, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, highlighted a legal action initiated between Idahosa and Senator Monday Okpebholo regarding the candidacy of the party. Idahosa contested the supplementary election ordered by the party's leadership, insisting that the initial primary election held on February 17, 2024, declared him as the winner.

Idahosa argued that the supplementary election held on February 22, 2024, was not a standalone exercise but a continuation of the primary election. He emphasized that his victory in the initial election should be upheld, as supported by the results certified by INEC. He urged INEC to consider the ongoing judicial process and refrain from taking any actions that could preempt or prejudice the outcome of the legal proceedings.

In summary, the nomination process for the Edo State governorship election has commenced, with INEC setting strict deadlines for political parties to file their nominations. However, the process is not without controversy, as a candidate disputes the outcome of the APC primary election and seeks legal intervention to uphold his victory.

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