The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the opening of its portal for online accreditation of journalists and media organisations who want to cover the Edo State gubernatorial election.
News About Nigeria reports that the election is slated for September 21, 2024.
According to a notice released on Friday, INEC’s portal will be available starting Monday, July 8, and will close on September 5, 2024.
The commission stressed the importance of media organisations registering their reporters within the provided timeframe, stating that no extensions would be granted once the deadline passes.
The notice read, “INEC wishes to announce the commencement of online accreditation for journalists and media organisations intending to cover the Edo State governorship election. Media organisations interested in deploying journalists to cover the election are by this notice expected to apply via the commission’s website. The portal will open on Monday, July 8, 2024, and close on Thursday, September 5, 2024.
“Late submission shall not be entertained as the portal will automatically shut down at midnight on Thursday, September 5, 2024, and there will be no extension of time.”
This election sees a diverse range of candidates, including Ighodalo Asuerinme of the Peoples Democratic Party, who was recently disqualified by the Federal High Court in Abuja; Okpebholo Monday of the All Progressives Congress, Patient Ndidi of the People’s Redemption Party, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, among others.
In a related development, INEC has called on all political parties in Edo and Ondo State to strictly adhere to the Commission’s guidelines for the elections.
Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee stressed the legal requirements for equitable access to public facilities during campaigns.
Olumekun said that the misuse of incumbency power to hinder opposition parties from using public facilities for campaign activities is a recurring issue in Nigeria’s election process.
This misuse includes restricting access to public buildings, limiting the use of state-owned media, imposing excessive advertising fees, and vandalising campaign materials, which often leads to violent clashes and public disorder.
“Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of state resources to benefit or disadvantage any political party or candidate,” Olumekun said, urging all parties to comply with the law to ensure a peaceful and fair election.
