Hottestgistnaija.com
Following the conclusion of political party primaries for the Edo State Governorship Election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced its plan to conduct a refresher training session for the liaison officers of political parties responsible for uploading the particulars of nominated candidates on a dedicated portal of the Commission.
According to a press statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Sam Olumekun mni, on Friday, 1st March 2024, the Commission has allocated 20 days for political parties to upload the Personal Particulars (Form EC9) and Names/ List of Nominated candidates (Form EC9B) of their candidates to the portal.
The IVEC Chairman stated that the access code to the portal which will be accessible from 9:00 am on Monday, 4th March 2024, and automatically shut down at 6:00 pm on Sunday, 24th March 2024 has been made available for collection by National Chairmen of political parties. He explained that the purpose of the refresher training for two liaison officers per party, which commenced today Friday, 1st March 2024, and ends on Monday, 4th March 2024 at the INEC Headquarters Abuja, was to assist political parties in ensuring seamless nominations.
The statement read, “As provided by the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the forthcoming off-cycle Edo State Governorship election, the deadline for the conduct of primaries by political parties expired on February 24th, 2024.”
He added that The INEC Media Centre, which is being used as the refresher training venue, will also serve as the Help Desk during the period of the nomination of candidates in case any political party needs assistance.
Mr. Olumekun stressed strict adherence to the guidelines and timelines provided by the Commission, according to him “The Commission wishes to draw the attention of political parties that twenty (20) days are sufficient to upload the nomination forms of only two candidates per party (Governorship candidate and running mate). Therefore, there is no reason to request an extension of time, and none will be granted beyond Sunday, 24th March 2024.”
In conclusion, “Political parties should ensure strict compliance with the timelines,” as stated.
