Ahead of bye-elections into certain Federal constituencies in Kwara, Jigawa and Plateau States fixed for March 14, the Independent National Electoral Commission at the weekend released the particulars of the nominated candidates on its website.
The forthcoming bye-elections were for the purpose of filling existing vacancies in Magama/Rijau Federal Constituency in Niger State, Babura/Garki Federal Constituency in Jigawa State, Patigi State Constituency in Kwara State and Kebbe State Constituency in Sokoto State.
A statement signed by Barrister Festus Okoye, National Commissioner, and Chairman, Information and Voters Education disclosed that ” in line with the provisions of Section 31 (3) of the Electoral Act 2010( as amended) the Commission has published the affidavit containing the personal particulars (Form EC9E) formerly Form C001 of and documents submitted by all candidates nominated by political parties to participate in the respective constituencies.”
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Okoye advised the electorate in the respective constituencies who has objections to the claims submitted by the candidates to file suits before the courts to dispute such claims.
His statement further read in part:” The Commission wishes to draw attention to the provisions of Section 31(5) of the Electoral Act ) as amended) which entitles ” any person who has reasonable grounds to believe that any information given by a candidate in the affidavit or any document submitted by the candidates is false to file a suit at the Federal High Court of a state or the FCT against such person seeking a declaration that the information contained in the affidavit is false.
” The Commission is determined to conduct free and fair elections in accordance with extant laws while working with critical stakeholders to ensure peaceful conduct of the exercise.”
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