Ayuba Sanusi
SIXTEEN (16) males and one female will be slogging it out on 21st September 2024 for the number one seat in Edo State, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The electoral umpire today released the final list of candidates for the election
A statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, stated that following the initial primaries, the Commission published the personal particulars of the governorship candidates and their running mates in its state and local government offices in Edo State.
However, according to the Commission, in line with the provision of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, some political parties conducted fresh primaries to replace their earlier nominated candidates by the deadline of 15th April 2024. 
“The Action Alliance (AA) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) replaced their governorship candidates and their running mates. In addition, the African Action Congress (AAC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Boot Party (BP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) replaced the running mates of their candidates only.”
The Commission further states that the final list, which also gives the breakdown of the candidates by age, academic qualifications and disability, has been published at its office in Edo State and also uploaded to its website and social media platforms for public information.
Also, the Commission stated that as provided by Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, campaigns by political parties in public shall commence not earlier than 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.
“Therefore, political parties are now permitted to start campaign in public from Wednesday 24th April 2024 and end at midnight on Thursday 19th September 2024 as indicated in items 8 and 12 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.
“As parties commence this critical phase of the election, the Commission reminds candidates, agents and their supporters of the provision of the law and the Commission’s guidelines governing such activity.
“For emphasis, parties shall conduct their campaigns with civility and decorum devoid of inciting language, violence, voter inducement and other infractions mentioned in Sections 92 – 97 of the Electoral Act 2022,” it warned.
Eighteen-Eleven Media