The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) has announced a new date for the local government elections, which will now take place on January 18, 2025. This decision follows a series of delays and rescheduling that has affected the original timeline for the election.
Joseph Aremo, the chair of the ODIEC, made the announcement during a recent meeting with stakeholders held at the commission’s headquarters in Akure. Initially, the local government election was set for December 16, 2023. However, due to various issues, the date was first postponed to February 17, then moved to July 13, and ultimately delayed indefinitely until a new date could be determined.
Aremo clarified that the election was not canceled but rescheduled because political parties did not fully comply with electoral guidelines and processes. He assured residents that the commission is committed to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent election. The ODIEC is taking these steps to address issues and improve the integrity of the electoral process.
The ODIEC chair emphasized that political parties that had already conducted their primaries before the postponement need to send their finalized list of candidates to the commission. The commission has outlined a series of important dates for the upcoming election cycle:
• Completion and Validation of Primaries: Political parties must complete their primaries and validate their candidates between November 25 and December 7, 2024.
• Submission of Candidate Forms: Political parties have until December 9, 2024, to submit their candidate forms and lists to the ODIEC.
• Candidate Substitution: If there are any changes or substitutions needed, political parties must make these adjustments between December 12 and 13, 2024.
• Collection and Submission of Nomination Forms: The period for collecting and submitting nomination forms will run from December 16 to December 18, 2024.
• Campaign Period: Official campaigning will commence on December 23, 2024, and will continue until midnight on January 16, 2025.
Additionally, the ODIEC will distribute non-sensitive election materials to all 18 local governments in Ondo State between January 6 and January 10, 2025. This step is crucial for ensuring that all logistical aspects of the election are in place well before the election day.
Olaoluwa Adesanya, the chair of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), expressed satisfaction with the ODIEC’s preparations for the election. He conveyed confidence in the commission’s ability to conduct the elections smoothly and assured both the commission and the residents that IPAC would actively participate in the upcoming electoral process.
This extended timeline is intended to provide all involved parties ample time to prepare and comply with all regulations, thereby contributing to a more orderly and credible election process. The ODIEC’s efforts to address the delays and ensure a transparent election are aimed at building trust and fostering a democratic environment in Ondo State.
