The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State has announced that 12 candidates from different political parties will be participating in the Surulere Federal Constituency I bye-election scheduled for February 3.
The Lagos State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Ayobami Salami, disclosed this during a Stakeholders’ Meeting with leaders of political parties, religious groups, and security among other stakeholders.
The vacancy in the Surulere Federal Constituency I arose due to the resignation of the former occupant, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, who was appointed as Chief of Staff by President Bola Tinubu after winning the election.
The REC noted that the purpose of the meeting was to inform party leaders about the commission’s level of preparedness for the upcoming bye-election, adding that political parties must conduct fresh primaries within the specified timeframe to elect their candidates.
Salami outlined the electoral activities undertaken, including the issuance of the notice of election on Jan. 4 and party primaries held from Jan. 5 to Jan. 9. Out of the 14 political parties initially invited, only 12 participated, and their candidates have been submitted to the national headquarters for publication.
The list of candidates includes Akinyemi Da-Silva (Accord), Kayode Jelili (Action Alliance), Collins Aigbokhaode (African Democratic Congress), Fuad Laguda (All Progressives Congress), Jonathan Ololade (All Progressives Grand Alliance), Samuel Ekwuruke (Allied People’s Movement), Yinusa Adisa (Action People’s Party), Adeola Adebanjo (Labour Party), Jerry Afemighie (Peoples Democratic Party), Muyiwa Adedeji (Social Democratic Party), Oluwole Austine Brito (Young Progressive Party), and Emereole Anthony (Zenith Labour Party).
Salami assured stakeholders of INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections, urging everyone to adhere to established rules and avoid actions like ballot snatching, vote buying, and thuggery.
During the meeting, other INEC Heads of Departments provided updates on various aspects of the election, including campaign guidelines, violence prevention, and logistics. The public campaign by political parties is set to begin on Jan. 18 and conclude on Feb. 1.
(NAN)
