The Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) has scheduled November 2, 2024, for the elections of Chairmen and Councillors in the state’s 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs). This announcement was made by the Chairman of NASIEC, Ayuba Wandai, during a press conference held on Wednesday in Lafia, the state capital.

Wandai noted that the tenure of the current 13 Local Government Chairmen and 147 Councillors will come to an end on October 7, 2024, following three years in office.

He further explained that while an election timetable had been previously issued on August 31, 2024, the process was delayed due to a legal case challenging the commission’s authority. The lawsuit, filed by Barrister Paul John and 12 others, questioned NASIEC’s power to announce election results for the 13 LGAs and 147 electoral wards, as well as the fees set for nomination forms and administrative charges.

“We were served with an originating summons by the Federal High Court in Lafia,” Wandai said. “However, we won the case, and the plaintiffs have withdrawn their appeal from the Court of Appeal in Makurdi, thereby clearing the way for the elections.”

Now that the legal hurdles have been cleared, NASIEC has resumed preparations for the elections. Wandai announced that political parties will be allowed to start their campaigns on Friday, October 18, 2024. He also set the timeline for party primaries and dispute resolutions, beginning Friday, October 11, 2024, and concluding by Thursday, October 27, 2024.

The NASIEC Chairman assured the public that the commission is committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections. “We will provide a level playing field for all political parties, ensuring that the will of the people is respected,” Wandai promised.

As political campaigns are set to begin, all eyes will be on Nasarawa as candidates from various parties vie for the leadership of the state’s 13 LGAs.