APC unveils dates for Ondo, Edo governorship primaries

The All Progressives Congres (APC) on Tuesday picked June 22 and July 20 for its governorship primaries in Edo and Ondo States.

In a notice issued by its National Organizing Secretary, Emma Ibediro, the party fixed the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms for N22.5 million.

While there is no separate charge for running mates, female and physically challenged aspirants were, however given a 50 percent discount.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it would stick to its timetable and schedule of activities on the election in both states.

The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, Festus Okoye, said in a statement on Tuesday night that the Commission had met earlier in the day and deliberated on a wide range of issues including the conduct of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections, as well as the nine outstanding bye-elections in different parts of the country.

He said: “The Commission deliberated extensively on a policy framework that will guide its operations, activities and engagements with critical stakeholders in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the electoral process in Nigeria. Based on this, the Commission will on Thursday 21st May 2020 issue a policy framework for engagement with stakeholders, the conduct of the two ends of tenure governorship elections, outstanding bye-elections and future electoral activities.

“The Commission reiterated its commitment to conduct the Edo and Ondo governorship elections on 19th September and 10th October 2020 as contained in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities released on 6th February 2020.

“We reassure Nigerians of our resolve and determination to provide the requisite guidance, innovation and leadership in conducting elections in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commission is committed to fulfilling its constitutional responsibility of conducting elections but without jeopardizing the health and wellbeing of citizens, stakeholders or its valued staff.

READ ALSO: Nigerian govt to further delay reopening of economy

“The Commission will accelerate consultations and engagements with political parties, civil society organizations, security agencies and health authorities as soon as its policy framework is finalized this week.”

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now