By Ismail Auwal
In the run-up to the 2023 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it will only substitute candidates whose names have been declared void by valid court orders.
The commission said it has closed window for the withdrawal and substitution of candidates has closed after the publication of the final list of candidates nominated for national and state elections.
INEC disclosed that only the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) had approached it to replace Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau who defected to the Peoples Democratic Party PDP.
Shekaru was nominated as NNPP’s senatorial candidate for Kano Central before he dumped the party, forcing the NNPP to approach INEC for substitution.
But INEC rejected the NNPP request because it was made after the window for substitution had elapsed.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, said that Commission will not be distracted with belated requests for substitution of candidates.
He said “The period for the withdrawal and substitution of candidates has elapsed and the Commission has published the final list of candidates standing nominated for national and state elections.
“At this point in time, a candidate can only get on the list if the duly and validly nominated candidate dies. Any form of withdrawal on grounds of voluntary withdrawal or incapacitation can no longer take place.
“Yes, the Commission is aware of some pending litigations. At the end of the day, the Commission will comply with valid court orders based on constitutional dictates. We urge political parties to focus on their campaigns and rallies as the next big thing in the electoral process.”
He noted that the Commission is now focused on making the Permanent Voters Cards available for collection by legally registered persons.
” The Commission is also focussed at making sure that voters are equitably distributed to the various polling units.
“The Commission will not be distracted with belated requests for withdrawals and substitution of candidates. All the registered political parties have a copy of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities released on February 26, 2022, and the schedule and timelines are delineated.”
