Ugo Nosiri, Owerri
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made an update to the list of governorship candidates in Imo State barely two weeks before the elections.
INEC had previously published the names of 17 governorship candidates and their running mates on its website, but added the names of Uchechukwu Ishiodu as the governorship candidate and Ahumbe Chiazor as the running mate for the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).
This update, according to the Commission, came as a response to a court order.
In a release by INEC Secretary, Oriaran-Anthony, it was made clear that the decision to amend the list was in compliance with the court orders.
Section 287 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) requires the Commission to enforce court orders related to the nomination of candidates by political parties.
“The Amended list of candidates in respect of the 2023 Imo State Governorship election is hereby amended pursuant to the Orders of the Court served on the Commission,” she stated.
The inclusion of the PRP candidate has now increased the number of governorship candidates for the upcoming November election to 18.