By OLAJIDE IIDOWU

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has cleared 14 political parties to participate in the Aug. 8 governorship election in Osun.

A statement by Mr Musa Olurode, INEC Public Relations Officer in the state, indicated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), were not cleared for the contest.

Olurode explained that only the 14 political parties that successfully concluded their primaries and uploaded the names and particulars of their candidates within the commission’s stipulated timeframe, would participate in the election.

“INEC hereby notifies political parties and the general public that, following the conclusion of political party primaries and the close of the period for uploading the names and particulars of candidates and their running mates, 14 political parties successfully complied with the Commission’s requirements within the stipulated timeframe,” he said.

According to Olurode, the political parties that validly uploaded the names and particulars of their candidates are Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Others are the All Progressives Congress (APC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

“In accordance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Item 4 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Osun Governorship Election, the Commission has published the personal particulars of candidates and their running mates (Form EC9).

“Copies of each candidates’ details will be displayed at the INEC State Office in the 30 Local Government Area offices, and the Area Office of the Commission in Osun on Monday, Feb. 16,” he added.

Olurode advised political parties, candidates and members of the public to inspect the published documents as provided by law.

Olurode quoted the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, as reassuring the electorate and all stakeholders of INEC’s commitment to transparency, professionalism in the conduct of elections.

He urged political parties and the public to continue to support the Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities. (NAN)

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