PDP Missing as INEC Clears 14 Parties for Osun Governorship Poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved 14 political parties to participate in the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) absent from the final list.

INEC disclosed that the cleared parties successfully submitted the names and personal details of their candidates and running mates within the stipulated deadline using the commission’s online portal.

In a statement issued Sunday, the Osun State Public Affairs Officer of INEC, Musa Olurode, speaking on behalf of Resident Electoral Commissioner Mutiu Agboke, said submissions followed the conclusion of party primaries and the closure of the portal designated for candidate uploads.

According to the commission, the parties that met the requirements are: Accord, Action Alliance, African Action Congress, African Democratic Congress, Action Democratic Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, All Progressives Congress, Allied Peoples Movement, Action Peoples Party, Boot Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Peoples Redemption Party, Young Progressives Party, and Zenith Labour Party.

INEC explained that the clearance followed verification of documents at its headquarters in Abuja to ensure compliance with constitutional and regulatory provisions.

The commission stated that publication of the candidates’ particulars was done in line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act and Item 4 of the official timetable for the Osun governorship election. It urged political parties, candidates, and members of the public to scrutinise the documents as provided by law, stressing that only the listed parties are eligible to contest.

Agboke reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to transparency and credible elections, assuring stakeholders that the process would adhere strictly to legal requirements and democratic best practices.

Meanwhile, the development comes amid internal disputes within the PDP, including a recent ruling by the Federal High Court nullifying a convention backed by Seyi Makinde in Ibadan and barring Taminu Turaki from parading himself as the party’s national chairman.