Edo 2024: INEC Reads Riot Act As 16 Parties Set For Primaries

• INEC warns registered political parties for the Edo State governorship election to avoid illegal activities and ensure fair primaries
• APC National Chairman assures of free, fair, and credible governorship primaries in Edo, emphasizing transparency and fairness

In preparation for the Edo State governorship election slated for September 21, 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning to 16 of the nation’s 18 registered political parties that have met the deadline to notify it of their dates and modes of primaries, cautioning them to steer clear of illegal activities.

Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, delivered the cautionary message on Thursday in Abuja.

Olumekun reminded the parties that the commission had released the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Edo State off-cycle governorship election, which includes the conduct of primaries by political parties scheduled for February 1-24.

He urged the parties to refrain from unnecessary delays, arbitrary changes of primary venues, wholesale alterations of delegates’ lists, or the submission of names that did not emerge from valid primaries as candidates for the election.

The parties were also warned against engaging in contentious primaries, which often result in the breakdown of law and order due to non-compliance with the provisions of their constitutions and guidelines, leading to numerous pre-election litigations.

Meanwhile, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), assured free, fair, and credible governorship primaries in Edo on February 17.

Ganduje, represented by Suleiman Argungu, the APC National Organizing Secretary, emphasized the need for transparency and fairness as he inaugurated the party’s screening and appeal committees headed by Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, a former Minister of Sports, in Abuja on Thursday.