The INEC boss appreciated the partnership with the media and
reassured that the Commission will continue to work closely with them as he
welcomed the media executive reports, commentaries and analyses on elections in
particular and electoral activities in general.
“I am glad to note that working together, we have sustained
the consultative engagements arising from which important suggestions and
recommendations have been made for the improvement of the electoral process in
Nigeria,” he said.
“I have said repeatedly that there is no election season in
Nigeria any longer. Elections are held regularly and all year round between one
general election and another.
“In destructively, even today’s meeting is coming in the
middle of increased activities for the forthcoming off-cycle Governorship
elections in Edo and Ondo States.
“This means that we have just six months to the Edo State
Governorship election and only eight months before the Ondo State Governorship
election. It is therefore appropriate to brief you at this meeting on
preparations for the two Governorship elections so far.
“A week later on 31st March 2024, the Commission will
publish the personal particulars of the candidates (Form EC9) as required by
law” he said.
Prof Yakubu therefore urged the media and the general
public, particularly registered voters in Edo State, to scrutinise the bio-data
and credentials of the candidates which is the essence of the publication as
provided by law.
“Turning to Ondo State, Political Parties will commence
their primaries for the Governorship election in the next two weeks.
“At the moment, 17 out of 19 Parties have indicated interest
in participating in the election.”
