From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday, cleared Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; former Bayelsa governor, Timipre Sylva, among others to contest the November 11 governorship election.
This was contained in its published final list of candidates for the poll, where it also disclosed that the decision was in line with the provision of Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 which requires the publication of the list not later than 150 days to election day. National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, who announced the release of the final list in a statement in Abuja reminded political parties and candidates that in line with timetable and schedule of activities for the three elections, campaign in public, officially commences on Wednesday June 14 2023 in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and ends on 9th November 2023.
Titled: “Publication of the final list of candidates for Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States governorship elections,” the electoral umpire described as regrettable and worrisome, the ugly incident of last week involving the convoys of two political actors in Kogi State resulting in the destruction of vehicles and other properties ahead of the commencement of campaign.
“At its regular meeting held on Tuesday, the commission approved the final list of candidates for the three off-cycle governorship elections scheduled to hold in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States on Saturday 11th November 2023. The list shows that all 18 political parties are fielding candidates in Kogi State, 17 in Imo State and 16 in Bayelsa State. The list also shows that two political parties are fielding female candidates in Bayelsa State, one in Kogi State and none in Imo State.”