In a recent development, the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) has once again shifted the date for the local government elections, now rescheduled for January 18, 2025. This announcement was made by Dr. Joseph Aremo, the Chairman of ODIEC, during a stakeholder meeting held at the commission's headquarters in Akure.According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), this marks yet another delay in the much-anticipated local government elections. Initially slated for December 16, 2023, the election had been postponed multiple times, first to February 17, then to July 13, and finally delayed indefinitely before the new date was confirmed.Dr. Aremo explained that these postponements were not cancellations but rather reschedulings necessitated by political parties’ failure to adhere to the electoral guidelines and processes. “The election was never cancelled but rescheduled due to non-compliance of political parties with the electoral guidelines and processes,” Aremo said. Despite the delays, he reassured the public that ODIEC is fully prepared to conduct a free, fair, and credible election when the time comes.Preparing for the New Election DateAs the new election date approaches, Aremo urged political parties that had previously conducted primaries to forward the validated list of candidates to the commission. Key dates have also been established for the upcoming election process:Nov. 25 - Dec. 7, 2024: Completion of political parties’ primaries and validation of candidates.Dec. 9, 2024: Deadline for the submission of candidates’ particulars and final candidate lists by political parties.Dec. 12 - Dec. 13, 2024: Substitution window for political parties to change candidates.Dec. 16 - Dec. 18, 2024: Collection and submission of nomination forms by candidates.Dec. 23, 2024 - Jan. 16, 2025: Campaign period for political parties.Additionally, ODIEC has announced that non-sensitive electoral materials will be distributed to the 18 local governments from January 6 to January 10, 2025. This comprehensive schedule highlights the commission’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process.
