In a significant development for the upcoming Ondo State Governorship Election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially published the final list of candidates and their running mates.
This crucial step was announced by INEC's National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, marking a pivotal moment in the electoral process.
The publication of the candidates' personal particulars at INEC offices across Ondo State signifies the conclusion of the nomination process.
Notably, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) conducted fresh primaries to replace their earlier nominated candidates, adhering to the deadline set by Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022.
With the final list now public, political parties are permitted to commence their public campaigns from Wednesday, 19 June, leading up to the midnight of 14 November.
This period is crucial for candidates to engage with the electorate and present their visions and plans for Ondo State.
Olumekun emphasized the importance of adhering to the law and INEC's guidelines during the campaign period.
He urged candidates, agents, and supporters to conduct their campaigns with civility, avoiding any form of violence, voter inducement, or inflammatory language.
The Ondo State Governorship Election is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 16 November 2024.
As the electoral process progresses, the publication of the final candidates list by INEC sets the stage for a competitive and transparent election, ensuring that the people of Ondo State have the opportunity to choose their next governor based on informed decision-making.
