From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the personal particulars of candidates from 16 political parties for the Anambra State governorship election. This follows the upload of their nomination forms before the portal closed at 6:00 PM on Monday, May 12.
In a statement by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC said the publication complies with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and is listed as item four in the election’s timetable. Copies of Form EC9, along with candidates’ academic credentials and other documents, are displayed at INEC’s State Headquarters and all 21 Local Government offices in Anambra.
INEC urged Nigerians to examine the documents and challenge any candidate’s nomination in a Federal High Court if they believe the provided information is false, as allowed under Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022.
“We appeal to Nigerians to scrutinise the documents. Any aspirant who participated in his/her party primaries with reasonable grounds to believe that the information provided by a candidate is false can challenge the nomination,” the statement read.
The final list of candidates will be published on Monday, June 9, at least 150 days before the election, as required by Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and listed as item seven in the timetable. The Anambra governorship election is set for Saturday, November 8.