INEC Announces dates for Edo, Ondo Guber Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the schedule for the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states in 2024.

The governorship election in Edo State is set to take place on September 21, 2024, while the election in Ondo State is scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024.

According to Sam Olumekun, the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the current governors of Edo and Ondo states will complete their terms on November 11, 2024, and February 23, 2025, respectively.

In accordance with Section 178 (2) of the Constitution, the election for these positions must be held no earlier than 150 days and no later than 30 days before the expiration of the previous governor’s term.

Olumekun stated, “The latest possible date for the election of the Governor of Edo State is October 12, 2024, while the latest date for the election of the Governor of Ondo State is January 24, 2025.”

In accordance with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the Commission is obligated to issue a Notice for the Election no later than 360 days prior to the election date.

“The governorship election is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 21st, 2024.

The Edo State governorship elections have a set timetable and schedule of activities. Party primaries are scheduled to take place from 1st – 24th February 2024. The submission of the list of nominated candidates will begin on 4th March 2024 at 9.00am and end on 24th March 2024 at 6.00pm, through the online portal.

The final list of candidates will be published on 23rd April 2024. Political parties can start campaigning in public from 24th April 2024, and it will conclude 24 hours prior to the election day on 19th September 2024.

For Ondo State, party primaries are scheduled to be held from 6th – 27th April 2024. The submission of the list of nominated candidates will begin on 29th April 2024 at 9.00am and conclude on 20th May 2024 at 6.00pm, through the online portal. The final list of candidates will be published on 18th June 2024. Political parties can start campaigning in public from 19th June 2024, and it will conclude 24 hours prior to the election day on 14th November 2024.

The Commission has uploaded a detailed timetable and Schedule of Activities for both elections on its website and social media platforms.

The Commission urges political parties and candidates to carefully review the activities outlined in the timetable and adhere to them strictly.