The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that 19 political parties have informed the commission about their plans to conduct primaries for the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State.
The commission had earlier scheduled April for the party primaries, with the main governorship election set for November 16, 2024.
During a meeting with representatives of political parties at the commission’s office in Akure, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola revealed the parties that have notified the commission.
These parties include the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Accord Party, Action Alliance, African Action Congress, African Democratic Congress, African Democratic Party, and All Progressives Grand Alliance, among others.
Babalola emphasised the significance of the upcoming party primaries, describing them as a critical juncture in the democratic process. She urged political parties to strictly adhere to their guidelines, rules, and electoral laws during the primaries, which are scheduled to take place from April 6 to 27.
In the midst of preparations for the APC primary election, the Omoluabi Coalition Group has advised the party to conduct a thorough screening of aspirants to ensure the selection of the most qualified candidate for the November 16 governorship election.
Comrade Tunji Balogun, Director General of the Omoluabi Coalition Group, endorsed Chief Olusola Oke as the best candidate among the aspirants, citing his grassroots political experience and understanding of the state as distinguishing factors.
Balogun stated that the coalition had meticulously screened all aspirants and evaluated their background information before throwing its support behind Chief Oke.