INEC releases timetable for Ekiti, Osun elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday released the timetable and schedule of activities for both the Ekiti and Osun states’governorship elections.

While July 14, 2018 was selected as the election day for Ekiti State, INEC fixed Osun’s election for September 22.

However, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Solomon Soyebi, who unveiled the details at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, also cautioned political parties not to see the development as a notice of election.

Soyebi explained that the dates were picked in compliance with Section 178 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 25 (8) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) which stipulated that election into the office of governor should be held not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder.

The tenure of the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; and his Osun State counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola, will expire on October 15 and November 26, 2018 respectively.

Soyebi said, “The commission is by virtue of Section 30(1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) expected to issue a notice for the election not later than 90 days before the date of the election.”

The INEC commissioner said in Ekiti State, campaigns would be allowed to begin on April 15, 2018.

Soyebi said, “For the Ekiti poll, the notice of election will be issued on April 4, 2018. Campaign by political parties will be allowed between April 15 and July 12. Forms for the election will be available for interested political parties on April 16 and they are to conduct their primaries and resolve all disputes arising therefrom between April 15 and May 14.

“The last day for the submission of Forms CF001 and CF002 at the INEC headquarters is May 15.

“Personal particulars (CF001) and list of candidates will be published on May 22, just as May 30 is the last day for the withdrawal or replacement of candidates by political parties.

“The deadline for the submission of nomination forms by political parties is June 13, to be followed by a publication of the final list of nominated candidates on June 14. The Register of Voters and Notice of Poll will also be published on June 14 and 40 respectively. The names of party agents for the election must be tendered to the Resident Electoral Commissioner on June 30.”

The INEC commissioner said campaigns would begin in Osun State on June 24 and would end on September 20.

Soyebi added, “The notice of election would be issued on June 23, 2018. Campaigns by political parties will be allowed between June 24 and September 20. Forms for the election will be available for interested political parties on June 25.

“Parties are to conduct their primaries and resolve all disputes between June 24 and July 23, while July 24 is the last day for the submission of Forms CF001 and CF002 at the INEC headquarters.”