Following the announcement of dates for the gubernatorial election in Edo and Ondo states by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political temperatures in the states have risen as stakeholders up their ante.
The no love lost relationship between Edo state Governor, Godwin Obaseki and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole has reached the point of no return, but it appears the last has not been heard on the crisis as the election draws.
Also, the situation in Ondo state has reached fever level. Governor Rotimi Akeredolu is facing a re-election, but he’s unlikely to get the APC ticket without tough opposition to his re-election bid in his own party. Amidst this, the PDP is ready to give him a run for his money.
The battle for Akeredolu in this year’s guber poll will be coming from the National Vice Chaiman of the PDP in the South-West, Dr. Eddy Olafeso and the party’s candidate in the 2016 elections, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN). Among many other aspirants that have shown interest in the race, either of the two men is likely to pick the PDP ticket to challenge the incumbent Governor.
Announcing dates for the election, the Commission fixed 19th of September 2020 and 10th of October 2020 for Edo and Ondo states respectively.
In the timetable for the election activities for Edo State governorship election, INEC stated that conduct of primary election and resolution of disputes arising from primaries would be between 2nd of June to 27th of June while campaign would kickstart on the 21st of June.
INEC fixed 17th of September for the end of campaign, stating that “Section 99(1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) provides 90 days for the commencement of campaigns by political parties and end of same 24 hours before polling day.”
For Ondo State, the commission fixed 2nd of July to 25th of July for the conduct of primary election and resolution of disputes arising from primaries “to enable political parties democratically nominate candidates for the election as required by Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2010.”
The electoral commission fixed 8th of October for the end of the campaign while the election would be on the 10th of October.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has deregistered 74 political parties.
This suggests that only 18 political parties survived the deregistration process.
The commission carried out a review of the performance of political parties after the 2019 general elections to see which parties qualify to exist.
Briefing newsmen in Abuja today, Thursday, February 6, 2010, the Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, also disclosed that the Commission has fixed September 19, 2020 for the governorship election in Edo and October 10, 2020 for the gubernatorial Ondo state.
