The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the weekend announced the release of its timetable for the electoral process in the Ekiti and Osun States. This is against the backdrop of the gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun States fixed for June 18, 2022, and July 16, 2022.
A statement signed by the National Secretary of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Senator John James Akpanudodehe, disclosed that the sale of nomination forms begins on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 for Ekiti State while the same exercise would commence on Thursday, November 18, 2021, for Osun State.
Further checks revealed that screening of aspirants and publications of claims and objections have been fixed for January 13, 2022, and January 17, 2022, respectively while screening appeals would be considered on January 19, 2022.
The governorship primary and election appeals for Ekiti State have equally been fixed for January 22 and 26, 2022, respectively.
The statement was however silent on the mode of primary. The APC 2014 Constitution, (as amended) makes provision for direct, indirect and consensus options for the emergence of its candidates for general elections.
Checks however revealed that in the Electoral Act No 6 2010 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2021, passed by both chambers of the National Assembly the direct primary was adopted as the only option for the selection of candidates for all political parties.
The amended bill however awaits the presidential assent of President Muhammadu Buhari