The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared Sheriff Oborevwori and others for the governorship race next year.
This is according to the final list of governorship candidates released by the electoral body.
“The list published today contains the names of candidates validly nominated for State Elections at the close of party primaries and the period earmarked for withdrawal and substitution of candidates,” INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee Festus Okoye said in a statement dated October 4th, 2022.
“In summary, the 18 political parties have fielded 837 candidates and their running mates for the 28 Governorship elections that fall due in 2023.”
Oborevwori was cleared by INEC as the PDP governorship candidate for Delta State. His candidacy was in question following the party’s primary. David Edevbie challenged Oborevwori’s credentials. But a court later affirmed the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly as the party’s candidate.
Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege was also listed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship flagbearer for Delta State.
In the southeastern state of Abia, Ikechi Emenike was listed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate. The battle for the ticket had been between him and Uche Ogah.
But the same was not the case with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State as the Commission did not list Ladi Adebutu and his running mate Adekunle Akinlade.
INEC’s decision followed the judgement of the Federal High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice O.O Oguntoyinbo, which directed the Ogun State executive of the PDP to conduct a fresh primary to nominate candidates for next year’s elections.
In his judgment, Hon. Justice Oguntoyinbo held thus: “I hereby Order that fresh primary elections be conducted by the current Ogun State Executives of the 2nd Defendant (Peoples Democratic Party) for the nomination of candidates for elective positions i.e House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senatorial and Governorship elections within 14 days”.
But the PDP says after a “comprehensive review and extensive consultations with Party leaders and critical stakeholders particularly in Ogun State, the NWC has resolved to appeal the Judgment.
“Consequently, the NWC has directed the National Legal Adviser of the Party to commence all actions necessary to appeal the judgement.”
Credit: CHANNELS TV.