The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared 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 list of eligible contenders.
INEC’s spokesman in Osun State, Musa Olurode, disclosed this in a statement issued in Osogbo, confirming that the approved parties successfully concluded their primaries and uploaded the names and particulars of their candidates, including running mates, within the stipulated deadline.
According to Olurode, the commission reviewed submissions following the close of party primaries and the deadline for uploading candidates’ details.
“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,” the statement read in part.
The cleared parties include Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Others are All Progressives Congress (APC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Olurode further disclosed that INEC has published the personal particulars of the candidates and their running mates (Form EC9) in compliance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and in line with the election timetable.
He noted that copies of the candidates’ details would be displayed at the INEC State Office in Osogbo, the 30 Local Government Area offices, and the Commission’s Area Office across Osun State beginning Monday, February 16.
The commission urged political parties, candidates, and members of the public to inspect the published documents as provided by law.
Meanwhile, Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mutiu Agboke, reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and professionalism in the conduct of the forthcoming governorship election. He called on political parties and other stakeholders to continue supporting the commission to ensure a credible electoral process.
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