The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi.

The gubernatorial candidates in Bayelsa include Governor Diri Duoye (PDP), Timipre Sylva (APC), Eradiri Udengmobofa (LP), Osuluku Binalatefa (SDP) and Ogege Mercy (APP).

The candidates for Kogi are Leke Abejide (ADC), Dino Melaye (PDP), Malam Ahmed Ododo (APC) and Suleiman Fati (ZLP). In Imo, the candidates include Governor Hope Uzodimmma (APC), Anyanwu Samuel (PDP), Odunzeh Ben(NNPP) and Achony Nneji (LP).

Festus Okoye, the INEC national commissioner and information and voter education committee, said in a statement that the commission approved the list at its regular meeting on Tuesday.

Mr Okoye added that the decision was in line with the provision of section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, requiring the publication of the list not later than 150 days to election day (June 9), following the period for voluntary withdrawal and substitution of candidates by political parties under section 31 of the Electoral Act 2022.

“The final list has been uploaded to the commission’s website and social media platforms. The same will be published in our state and local government offices in the affected states on Thursday, June 8, ahead of the statutory deadline of June 9,” the INEC official explained.

The list showed that all 18 political parties fielded candidates for the Kogi poll, while 17 parties fielded candidates for Imo and 16 parties in Bayelsa.

The list also showed that two political parties fielded female candidates for the Bayelsa poll, while only one party fielded a female candidate for the Kogi poll.

Mr Okoye reminded political parties and their candidates that in line with the timetable and schedule of activities for the election, the campaign in public would officially commence on Wednesday, June 14, in line with section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and ends on November 9 (24 hours before election day).

“We urge parties and candidates to conduct their political activities with civility and decorum as peaceful electioneering heralds a peaceful election,” the INEC commissioner stressed. “Political parties and candidates have a responsibility to de-escalate tension ahead of the election.”

(NAN)