Posted by The candidates whose names have been made public on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list are no longer replaceable by political parties, according to INEC.
The commission further noted that after the time for withdrawal and substitution of candidates has closed, only candidates who are deceased or whose nominations have been revoked by the courts may be substituted.
According to The Nation, only the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) contacted INEC about replacing Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, who switched parties and joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Before leaving the party, Shekaru had been selected as the NNPP’s senatorial candidate for Kano Central, requiring the party to apply to INEC for a replacement. Because NNPP’s appeal was submitted after the opportunity for substitution had closed, INEC rejected it.
Festus Okoye, National Commissioner for INEC and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, confirmed the situation.
The Commission announced the final list of candidates standing for nomination in the national and state elections after the deadline for withdrawal and substitution of candidates had passed.
Currently, a candidate can only be added to the list if the duly and properly nominated candidate passes away. Any type of withdrawal based on incapacity or voluntary withdrawal is no longer permitted.
The Commission is aware of some ongoing legal disputes, yes. The Commission will ultimately follow legitimate court orders based on constitutional requirements. The next big event in the election process, we implore political parties to concentrate on their campaigns and rallies.
The Commission’s current priority is enabling legitimately enrolled individuals to obtain Permanent Voters Cards. The Commission is also concerned with distributing voters fairly across the numerous polling places.
“Belated demands for withdrawals and candidate substitutions won’t divert the Commission. The Timetable and Timetable of Activities, which was published on February 26, 2022, is available to all registered political parties, and it clearly outlines the schedule and dates.