The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said 18 political parties nominated a total of 837 candidates and their running mates to contest the governorship election holding in 28 states of the federation.
Similarly, the commission also disclosed that 10,240 candidates are vying for 993 seats in the State Assembly constituencies.
Chairman of the commission Prof Mahmood Yakubu who stated this on Tuesday at the expert meeting on election logistics for the 2023 general election held in Lagos, said the names would be published in all INEC’s offices nationwide and uploaded to the commission’s website as required by law.
Yakubu noted that the commission was “determined to continuously improve on our processes and procedures in order to give Nigerians a pleasant experience on election day.”
According to the INEC chairman, “In achieving this goal, we need the support and partnership of all stakeholders.”
He told the stakeholders that “by your presence at this meeting, you have demonstrated your willingness to partner with the commission and we are encouraged by such demonstration of support and commitment to the success of the electoral process as we continue to make steady progress in the implementation of our plans.
“So far, the Commission has successfully implemented 9 out of 14 activities listed in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 general election.
“You may recall that two weeks ago, the commission published the final list of candidates for national elections (Presidential, Senatorial and House of Representatives).
“Today, the list of candidates for state elections (governorship and State Houses of Assembly) will be published in all our offices nationwide and uploaded to the commission’s website as required by law.
“For the governorship election holding in 28 states of the federation, the 18 political parties have nominated a total of 837 candidates and their running mates.
“For State Assembly constituencies, 10,240 candidates are vying for 993 seats.”
Those present at the meeting included logisticians, the security agencies, other agencies responsible for facilitating the clearance of election materials at entry ports such as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Niger Ports Authority (NPA).
Others were aviation agencies, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics, training institutions such as the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), the private sector such as banks and manufacturers, trade unions, civil society organisations and other INEC’s development partners.
