News Investigators/ The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 14 political parties will participate in the Aug. 8 governorship election in Osun.
This is contained in a statement issued by the INEC Public Relations Officer, Musa Olurode, on Sunday in Osogbo.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that among the 14 political parties listed, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) are conspicuously missing.
Mr Olurode explained that only the 14 political parties that successfully concluded their primaries and uploaded the names and particulars of their candidates within the commission’s stipulated timeframe would participate in the election.
“INEC Osun 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 for the Osun governorship election,14 political parties have successfully complied with the Commission’s requirements within the stipulated timeframe,” he said.
According to Mr Olurode, the political parties that validly uploaded the names and particulars of their candidates, as released by the Headquarters of the Commission, are: Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and All Progressives Congress (APC).
Other parties include: 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).
“In accordance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Item 4 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Osun Governorship Election, the Commission has published the personal particulars of candidates and their running mates (Form EC9).
“Copies of each candidate’s Form EC9, together with all accompanying academic credentials and other documents submitted, will be displayed at the INEC State Office, all 30 Local Government Area offices, and the Area Office of the Commission in Osun on Monday, Feb. 16,” he added.
Mr Olurode advised political parties, candidates, and members of the public to inspect the published documents as provided by law.
He clarified that only the 14 political parties listed, having met the constitutional and regulatory requirements within the prescribed period, will participate in the election.
Mr Olurode further stated that the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, reassured the electorate and all INEC stakeholders of the Commission’s firm commitment to transparency, professionalism, and the conduct of credible elections in accordance with the law and best democratic practices.
“INEC urges political parties and the public to continue to support the Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities,” he said.
NAN