The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC says the Commission has decided to conduct gubernatorial elections in Imo , Bayelsa and Kogi states on November 11,2023.
INEC ‘s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee,Festus Okoye made this known on Tuesday evening.
He said the commission approved the timetable and Schedule off Activities for the states at its weekly meeting which held on Tuesday, October 25,2022.
According to him, the decision is in fulfilment of Section,28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 which mandates the commission to publish the Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the date fixed for the election.
Okoye said,” Section 178(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, mandates the commission to conduct such elections not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of the last Holder of the office
” The tenure of the incumbent governor of Imo State ends on,14th January 2024 while those of Kogi and Bayelsa States end one 26th January 2024 and 13th February 2024 respective.
” Accordingly, the Commission has decided to conduct the three elections on Saturday 11th November 2023 “
Okoye said the commission on 14th November,2022, publish the statutory notice for the elections in the three states
He added that party primaries will be held from 27th March to 17th April,2023 while the online portal for the submission of nomination forms ( EC,9 and EC9B) by political parties opens at 9.00 am on 24th April 2023 and closed at 6.00 pm on 5th May 2023.
” The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June,2023 while campaign by political parties commences on 14th June 2023 and ends at midnight on 9th November,2023 “Okoye said.
