The Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) has officially announced the timetable for the highly anticipated 2024 Local Government Chairmanship and Councillorship Elections.
The commission’s decision is in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empowers state electoral commissions to conduct local government elections.
According to the ABSIEC, the upcoming election is set to take place on Saturday, November 2, 2024, and will be a significant opportunity for grassroots leadership across the state to be reshaped.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the election timetable as released by the Commission:
2024 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION SCHEDULE:
1. NOTICE OF ELECTION: The official notice for the election will be issued on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
2. POLITICAL PARTY PRIMARIES: Political parties will conduct their primaries from Wednesday, September 25, 2024, to Friday, October 4, 2024.
3. SUBMISSION OF LIST OF CANDIDATES BY POLITICAL PARTIES: The submission of candidates’ lists by political parties will take place between Saturday, October 5, 2024, and Monday, October 7, 2024.
4. SCREENING OF CANDIDATES BY ABSIEC: The Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) will screen the candidates from Tuesday, October 8, 2024, to Thursday, October 10, 2024.
5. HEARING OF APPEALS/COMPLAINTS BY APPEALS SCREENING COMMITTEE: The committee will hear any appeals or complaints from Friday, October 11, 2024, to Saturday, October 12, 2024.
6. SUBSTITUTION AND SCREENING OF SUBSTITUTED CANDIDATES: Substituted candidates will be screened from Monday, October 14, 2024, to Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
7. FINAL PUBLICATION OF LIST OF CANDIDATES: The final list of candidates will be published on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
8. ELECTIONEERING CAMPAIGNS: Political parties and candidates can officially begin their campaigns from Friday, October 18, 2024, to Thursday, October 31, 2024.
9. NOTICE OF POLLS: The notice for polling activities will be issued on Friday, October 18, 2024.
10. LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION DATE: The local government elections will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024.
The electoral process is expected to be transparent, free, and fair, with ABSIEC assuring all stakeholders of its commitment to upholding democratic values.
Meet the Commission Behind the Election:
The ABSIEC, headed by Prof. George N. Chima (Chairman), comprises several other esteemed members dedicated to ensuring the smooth execution of the electoral process. The commission members include:
1. Hon. Onyemauche Elekwa (Member/Secretary)
2. Hon. (Dr.) Kelechi Okere (Member)
3. Hon. Chief Joseph Uzoma Akara (Member)
4. Hon. (Mrs.) Ekele Queen Ahuchaogu (Member)
5. Hon. (Mrs.) Bertha Ehumadu (Member)
6. Hon. Nkemdirim Kalu (Member)
The ABSIEC headquarters, located at Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, will serve as the operational hub for all electoral activities leading up to the election day.
Prof. George N. Chima, the ABSIEC Chairman, emphasized that the Commission is fully prepared to conduct a credible election and urged all political parties, candidates, and citizens to participate actively and responsibly in the democratic process.
The countdown to November 2nd has officially begun, and Abians are eager to witness the emergence of a new set of local government leaders committed to driving development at the grassroots level.
Credit: Eyes Opener
