2023: INEC processes 6,995 parties’ nomination forms

• ….AAC, NNPP yet to upload theirs

• …Issues 1.7 million CTCs of documents

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Ahead of the 2023 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday disclosed that it has processed 6,995 nomination forms (EC9) uploaded by 16 out of 18 political parties for the constituencies where they intend to sponsor candidates.

The Commission however revealed that  two political parties, the African Action Congress (AAC) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), are yet to upload a single nomination to the portal. 

This was confirmed in a statement yesterday by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Barrister Festus Okoye in Abuja.

The Commission, said that it has  continuously responded to requests for the issuance of Certified True Copies (CTCs) of documents mainly arising from the conduct of party congresses, primaries and nomination of candidates.

It pointed out that the number of requests processed has now risen to one million, six hundred  and sixty-two thousand, nine hundred and eighty seven (1,662,987) pages of documents. 

The Commission reminded all political parties that they have three days left to upload their list of candidates to the ICNP. 

The statement by Okoye reads, “As provided for in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election released by the Commission on 26th February 2022, all political parties that conducted valid primaries are required to nominate their candidates for Governorship, Deputy Governorship and State Assembly elections via the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal (ICNP) from 1st – 15th July 2022. 

“So far, the Commission has processed 6,995 nomination forms (EC9) uploaded by 16 out of 18 political parties for the constituencies where they intend to sponsor candidates.

“However, two political parties, the African Action Congress (AAC) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), are yet to upload a single nomination to the portal. “The Commission hereby reminds all political parties that they have three days left to upload their list of candidates to the ICNP. 

“The deadline is Friday 15th July 2022. The portal will automatically shut down at 6.00pm on that date.

“Meanwhile, the Commission has continuously responded to requests for the issuance of Certified True Copies (CTCs) of documents mainly arising from the conduct of party congresses, primaries and nomination of candidates. “The number of requests processed has now risen to one million, six hundred  and sixty-two thousand, nine hundred and eighty seven (1,662,987) pages of documents. 

“Sadly, in spite of  the Commission’s effort, 147 out of  476 requests processed as at today involving 5,646 pages are yet to be collected by applicants.

“The Commission appeals to prospective litigants to come forward and collect the certified copies of the documents”, it said.