INEC Confirms Dates for Ekiti and Osun Governorship Elections…The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced the dates for the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, marking a crucial step in Nigeria’s electoral calendar ahead of the 2023 general elections.
According to a statement released by the Commission, the Ekiti governorship election will hold on Saturday, June 18, 2022, while voters in Osun State will go to the polls on Saturday, July 16, 2022.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made the announcement while addressing reporters, stressing the Commission’s commitment to ensuring credible, transparent, and inclusive elections.
He stated that the announcement was in line with INEC’s policy of giving early notice to political parties and stakeholders, allowing ample time for preparations, including party primaries, voter education, logistics planning, and security arrangements.
Alongside the announcement of the election dates, INEC also released a comprehensive timetable and schedule of activities for both elections.
These include key deadlines for the conduct of party primaries, submission of nomination forms, publication of candidates’ details, commencement of campaigns, and other pre-election processes. Political parties are expected to complete their primaries and resolve all disputes within a strict timeframe.
For Ekiti, the window for party primaries is between January 4 and 29, 2022. In Osun, political parties must hold their primaries between February 16 and March 12, 2022.
The Commission used the opportunity to reaffirm its readiness to deliver improved elections following a number of recent electoral reforms.
One of the key developments is the expansion of polling units across the country. INEC has increased the number of polling units from 119,974 to 176,846, in an effort to ease congestion and improve access for voters.
As part of this process, over 700 polling units previously located in unsuitable places such as private residences, religious centers, and royal palaces have been relocated to public and accessible locations.
Professor Yakubu emphasized that the changes are designed to enhance voter experience and increase participation.
He urged political parties, civil society organizations, security agencies, and the electorate to support the Commission in its efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic processes.
As preparations for the Ekiti and Osun elections begin in earnest, political parties are already mobilizing to select their flag bearers.
Analysts expect intense political activity in both states, as the contests are often seen as a litmus test for parties ahead of national elections.
The outcomes in Ekiti and Osun could shape political narratives and strategies heading into the 2023 general elections.
INEC has also reiterated the importance of voter education and encouraged eligible citizens to participate fully in the electoral process.
According to the Commission, targeted awareness campaigns will be intensified to inform citizens about the importance of registering, collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and turning out to vote on election day.
With security, logistics, and voter turnout always being major concerns in Nigerian elections, INEC has called on all stakeholders to play their roles responsibly.
The Commission has assured the public that it will work closely with security agencies to ensure that the elections in Ekiti and Osun are peaceful and credible.
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The upcoming governorship polls are widely viewed as an opportunity to test the effectiveness of new electoral guidelines, technologies, and administrative strategies.
Observers, both local and international, will be watching closely to assess INEC’s performance as well as the behavior of political actors and their commitment to democratic principles.
As the countdown to the elections begins, INEC’s announcement signals the start of a critical phase in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The Commission has set the stage, and the responsibility now lies with political parties, voters, and all stakeholders to ensure that the process reflects the will of the people.
