The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed political parties participating in the Edo state governorship election to conclude their campaigns by 11:59pm on Thursday.

On Thursday, INEC spokesperson, Sam Olumekun, issued a statement reiterating the provisions outlined in Section 94 of the Electoral Act 2022. This move aims to ensure compliance with the electoral regulations ahead of the scheduled election on September 21.

Section 94(1) of the act states that: “A person, print or electronic medium that broadcasts, publishes, advertises or circulates any material for the purpose of promoting or opposing a particular political party or the election of a particular candidate over the radio, television, newspaper, magazine, handbills, or any print or electronic media whatsoever called within twenty four hours immediately preceding or on polling day commits an offence under this Act.”

Olumekun said candidates and their supporters should not wear campaign materials to the polling units on Saturday.

“It is therefore illegal for any political party in Edo State to engage in rallies, processions or media campaigns from midnight today,” the statement reads.

“These prohibitions, including sanctions, are provided for in Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2022.

“Similarly, on Election Day, Saturday 21st September 2024, parties, candidates and their supporters should not appear at the polling units in their campaign attires or carry any campaign materials with them.

“We urge parties, candidates and their supporters to take note of the provisions of the law for compliance.”

Meanwhile, Asue Ighodalo, governor candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has ended his campaign.

In a statement issued by Erhabor Emokpae, the Team Asue Media Organisation (TAMO) said Ighodalo’s campaign ended today in line with provisions of the electoral act.

“We would like to inform the general public that the current campaign has been officially concluded by Ighodalo and consequently directed that no activity in this regard should exceed midnight, Sept. 19,” the campaign office said.

“After this time, any publications, advertisements, jingles, or any other promotional materials made in respect of the subject matter have not the blessing, endorsement or authorisation of Ighodalo or all that is associated with him in respect of same.

“Please be advised, therefore, Ighodalo will not be liable or held responsible for any consequences arising from any further campaign or promotional activities or communications conducted after the campaign’s official closing time and date.”

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has attributed the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to interference by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He made this assertion while receiving members of the PDP Board of Trustees at the Government House in Bauchi.

“Any challenge is not insurmountable, it is insurmountable by the grace of God and we will find a solution to that,” he stated.

“It is only PDP with the experience of governance that is being challenged.”

“You will notice that this is the creation of the other side. They want us to be in disarray, it is the creation of APC. They always want to have moles within us, they want to have knowledge of what is going on.”

“Even the Wike that is in APC is in PDP, he is performing very well. They don’t have people that will perform like our members and that is why they chose to pick him and gave him a state-like structure to run.”

“To us, it is a commendation. The press will see that at least irrespective of the bizarre situation, it is a recognition that PDP has the human capital to deliver Nigeria.”

Gov Mohammed also acknowledged the challenge posed by Wike’s dual role and attributed the party’s crises to opposition from the APC but assured that they have a strategy to navigate the situation.

To him, the PDP’s primary focus was on unifying the party to take over leadership in 2027 and ensure effective governance.

Former Anambra Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed his willingness to consider a vice-presidential role in the 2027 general election.

In an exclusive interview with New Central TV, monitored by SaharaReporters on YouTube, Obi stated his primary ambition is to move Nigeria forward.

When asked about potentially being a vice-presidential candidate, Obi said: “Quite frankly, for me, I’m not desperate to be Nigerian president. I am desperate to see Nigeria work. If I see people who can do the work better, I will.”

“I even have people who say I should not come out in 2027 and I said to them, offer yourself. And we will not put everybody on a scale.”

Obi insisted that he would not leave the Labour Party but would consider a merger with other politicians if their purposes resonate with his political desire.

He continued: “Yes, I would be here (at Labour Party), and if anybody is coming for us to negotiate or to come together, he must tell me what his purposes.

“I will not join anybody for state capture or for winning the election. I want anybody to tell me how are we going to ensure that no child is left behind, how are we going to put those millions of out-of-school children back in school.”

Meanwhile. the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party), led by Julius Abure, on Wednesday called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Security Adviser (NSA) to investigate Obi, activist Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, and leaders of the pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, for the alleged misappropriation of campaign funds in 2023.

At a press briefing in Abeokuta, the LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, raised concerns over the diversion of over N12 billion and $15 million in donations meant for the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign.

The party’s leadership accused Aisha Yesufu and Ighodalo of working alongside Obi to siphon campaign donations.

Arabambi described Obi as a “political merchant,” orchestrating the fraudulent mismanagement of funds.

He also criticised Yesufu’s recent public remarks defending herself, dismissing them as attempts to obscure the truth.

The allegations extended to leaders of Afenifere, including Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni, whom Arabambi accused of retaining over N600 million in private accounts.

The funds, he claimed, were meant for the party’s campaign but were diverted under Obi’s direction.