In a recent development, the Independent National Electoral Commission has been informed by no less than 19 political parties about their intentions to conduct primaries for the upcoming governorship election in the state.
Initially scheduled for April, the party primaries are set to pave the way for the main governorship election on November 16, 2024.
This information was shared by Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, during a meeting with political party representatives at the commission’s office in Akure last Thursday.
Among the political parties that have notified the commission are the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Accord Party, Action Alliance, African Action Congress, African Democratic Congress, African Democratic Party, and All Progressives Grand Alliance.
Additional parties include the Allied Peoples Movement, Action Peoples Party, Boot Party, Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, National Rescue Movement, Peoples Redemption Party, Social Democratic Party, Youth Party, Young Progressives Party, and Zenith Labour Party.
The REC mentioned, “The commission has received notifications from political parties regarding the forthcoming governorship election primaries, scheduled to take place from April 6 to 27.”
“This meeting serves as a platform to interact with political parties concerning the upcoming party primaries,” which mark a crucial stage in the state’s democratic progress. She emphasized the significant role of political parties in ensuring the process’s success and integrity.
Babalola urged all parties to strictly adhere to their guidelines, rules, and regulations outlined in their constitutions, as well as all electoral laws, during the conduct of their primaries next month.
Meanwhile, ahead of the APC primary election next month in Ondo State, the Omoluabi Coalition Group has advised the party to conduct thorough screenings of aspirants and select the most qualified candidate for the November 16 governorship election.
The Director General of the Omoluabi Coalition Group, Comrade Tunji Balogun, offered this advice during a speech in Akure, the state capital.
He singled out Chief Olusola Oke as the best candidate among the aspirants, emphasizing that the coalition had carefully vetted all contenders and their backgrounds before deciding to endorse Chief Oke.
He lauded the aspirant as a grassroots politician with a deep understanding of the state compared to other contestants.