The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that Anambra State governorship election would be held on November 6, 2021.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, January 19.
According to him, the tentative date was done by virtue of powers conferred on it by the constitution, the Electoral Act and all other powers enabling it in that regard.
“INEC met on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 and deliberated on a wide range of issues including the issuance of the timetable and schedule of activities for the conduct of the Anambra governorship election.
“By virtue of Section 178(1) & (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 25(7) & (8) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), election into the office of a state governor shall hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of the office.
“Constitutionally and statutorily, the tenure of the Governor of Anambra State will expire on the March 17, 2022 and the earliest date for the election into the office of governor Anambra State, shall be October 18, 2021 and the latest date for the election shall be February 15, 2022. In the exercise of the powers conferred on it by the constitution, the Electoral Act and all other powers enabling it in that regard, the Commission has fixed November 6, 2021 as the date for the conduct of the Anambra State governorship election.
“Personal particulars of the candidates will be published on July 16, 2021 and the parties will commence campaigns on August 8, 2021. The final list of nominated candidates will be published on October 7, 2021,” the statement reads.
KanyiDaily recalls that Emeka Ojukwu, son of the late Igbo leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had declared his interest to join the race for the Anambra governorship seat.