The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared 14 political parties to contest the Osun State governorship election, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) noticeably absent from the list.
The commission confirmed that these parties successfully submitted the names and required documents of their candidates and running mates within the stipulated deadline.
In a statement issued on Sunday, INEC’s Public Affairs Officer in Osun, Musa Olurode, speaking on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, said the submissions were completed through the designated portal.
“The submission followed the conclusion of party primaries and the closure of the designated portal for uploading candidates’ particulars,” the statement said.
The qualifying parties are Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), 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 Progressives Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
INEC said the clearance followed verification at its Abuja headquarters to ensure all submissions met constitutional and regulatory requirements.
The commission explained that the publication aligns with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Item 4 of the official timetable for the Osun governorship election.
“The Commission hereby notifies political parties and the general public that fourteen political parties have successfully complied with the requirements within the stipulated timeframe,” the statement added.
INEC urged political parties, candidates, and the public to examine the published documents as provided by law, stressing that only the listed parties are eligible to contest in the election.
Dr Agboke also reassured stakeholders of the commission’s commitment to transparency and professionalism.
“The Commission remains firmly committed to the conduct of credible elections in accordance with the law and best democratic practices,” he said.
