Ahead of the October 10 governorship election in Ondo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has released the final list of candidates for the exercise.
The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, made this known in a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA on Friday. Okoye noted that the electoral body decided to release the final list after its weekly regular meeting on Thursday.
He, however, revealed that four political parties that earlier made valid nominations have substituted their candidates ahead of the election.
Okoye disclosed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) withdrew and substituted their Deputy Governorship candidates while the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) substituted both its Governorship and Deputy Governorship candidates
The statement reads: “The Independent National Electoral Commission held its weekly regular meeting on Thursday 20th August 2020 and deliberated on the conduct of the Ondo Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday 10th October 2020 as well as other outstanding elections.
“It will be recalled that on 31st July 2020, the Commission published the provisional list of candidates for the Ondo Governorship election comprising 17 political parties. In accordance with section 35 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and as provided in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities released on 6th February 2020, withdrawal and substitution of candidates ended at 6.00pm on 18th August 2020”.
“Four political parties that earlier made valid nominations have substituted their candidates. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) withdrew and substituted their Deputy Governorship candidates while the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) substituted both its Governorship and Deputy Governorship candidates.
“Consequently, the Commission has published the final list of nominated candidates in our State and Local Government offices in Ondo State. The list is also available on our website and social media platforms.
“Political parties, candidates in the election and members of the public are advised to check the final list of candidates and be guided accordingly.”
