By Adeyemi David
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved 14 political parties to participate in the August 8 governorship election in Osun State, excluding the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) from the contest.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the commission’s Public Relations Officer in the state, Musa Olurode, who explained that only parties that successfully conducted their primaries and uploaded the names and particulars of their candidates within the stipulated timeframe were cleared.
“INEC hereby notifies political parties and the general public that, following the conclusion of political party primaries and the close of the period for uploading the names and particulars of candidates and their running mates, 14 political parties successfully complied with the Commission’s requirements within the stipulated timeframe,” Olurode said.
According to him, the parties that met the requirements include Accord, Action Alliance, African Action Congress, African Democratic Congress, Action Democratic Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, All Progressives Congress, Allied Peoples Movement, Action Peoples Party, Boot Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Peoples Redemption Party, Young Progressive Party, and Zenith Labour Party.
He added that, in line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and the timetable for the election, the commission has published the personal particulars of candidates and their running mates using Form EC9.
“Copies of each candidate’s details will be displayed at the INEC State Office, the 30 Local Government Area offices, and the Area Office of the Commission in Osun on Monday, Feb. 16,” he said.
Olurode advised political parties, candidates, and members of the public to inspect the published documents as provided by law.
He also quoted the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mutiu Agboke, as reassuring voters and stakeholders of the commission’s commitment to transparency and professionalism in the conduct of the election.
Agboke urged political parties and the public to continue supporting the commission in fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities.
