INEC releases final lists of governorship, state assembly candidates today

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will today release the final list of governorship and House of Assembly candidates cleared to contest the March 2 state elections.
Similarly, the list of chairmanship and councillorship candidates for the six Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, will be published today.
The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu confirmed the planned release of the gubernatorial and National Assembly list at the swearing of new Resident Electoral Commission (REC) Elder Monday Udo Tom yesterday in Abuja.
This, Prof Yakubu stated, is in accordance with the Electoral Act.
The commission had two weeks ago, issued the final list of presidential and National Assembly candidates.
He explained that the commission has already implemented 10 out of the 14 activities in its timetable and schedule of activities.
According to him, the list of the governorship, state Assembly and FCT Area Council candidates, would be published in all the state offices nationwide and on the commission’s website.
“Your appointment is coming just 16 days to the 2019 general elections,” Prof. Yakubu told new REC.
Yakubu disclosed that with the swearing in of Elder Tom who is from Akwa Ibom State, INEC now has 36 out 37 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“The Commission is awaiting the confirmation and appointment of the nominee for Osun State,” he stated.
He however charged the new REC to be firm and courageous on the side of the law, and to be an unbiased umpire.
“Furthermore, as a REC, you can be posted to any part of the country at any time as the exigencies of service require. For now, you will be posted to a state within your geo-political zone but you will never serve in you State of origin throughout your tenure. In line with this principle, you are hereby deployed to Bayelsa State,” he said.