We’ve complied with court orders on candidates list – INEC

By Jude Opara

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu has said that the Commission has complied with court orders which created some changes in the candidates list.
He said that the running mate for the Labour Party’s (LP ) candidate has been replaced while the National Rescue Movement, (NRM) has been added to the list.
Yakubu spoke yesterday during a meeting with stakeholders at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub ahead of the governorship election slated for September 21, 2024.
In attendance were the Inspector-General of Police, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Edo State, chairmen of political parties in Edo State, the candidates and their running mates and the
National Commissioners of INEC, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, the Commissioner of Police and other Members of ICCES, traditional and religious leaders, election observers, and media organisations.
The stakeholders meeting was jointly addressed by the INEC chairman and the Inspector-General of Police.
The purpose was to interact with political parties and candidates as well as accredited election observers, the media and other stakeholders on the preparations for the election.
Yakubu said that the Commission has so far implemented 11 out of the 13 activities on schedule for the governorship election with only two outstanding activities left.
He reminded political parties these are the last days of campaign by political parties which, according to law, ends 24 hours before the date fixed for the elections i.e. at midnight on Thursday 19th September 2024 and Election Day on Saturday 21st September 2024.
Having published the final list of candidates, the INEC boss noted that there were two adjustments to the list.
He said, “By court order, the Commission has replaced the running mate to the candidate of the Labour Party. Similarly, the National Rescue Movement (NRM) which could not file its nomination on schedule has obtained a court order to compel the Commission to include the party on the ballot.
“We have complied with the court order.”
He added, “Consequently, 18 political parties are now participating in the 2024 Edo State Governorship election.
“The updated list of parties and candidates is contained in the information booklet circulated at this meeting.”