At a meeting on Tuesday, June 6th, 2023, the Commission greenlit the definitive list of candidates for the off-cycle Governorship elections set to occur in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States on Saturday, November 11th, 2023.

The decision adheres to Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, mandating the publication of the list no later than 150 days before the election day. This falls on Friday, June 9th, 2023, following the period for voluntary withdrawal and substitution of candidates by political parties as outlined in Section 31 of the Electoral Act 2022.

The list reveals that all 18 political parties are fielding candidates in Kogi State, 17 in Imo State, and 16 in Bayelsa State. Notably, in Bayelsa State, two political parties are nominating female candidates, while none are in Imo State.

With the elections set to commence on Saturday, November 11th, 2023, stakeholders express their hopes for a peaceful, free, and fair electoral process.