The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the upcoming Ondo state governorship election, scheduled for November 16.

In a statement on Thursday, Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, announced that the commission has published the personal particulars of the candidates and their running mates at state and local government area (LGA) offices.

Olumekun highlighted that two political parties, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), conducted fresh primaries to replace their previously nominated candidates and running mates. Additionally, five other parties—the African Action Congress (AAC), the Action Democratic Party (ADP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)—replaced their running mates.

“Overall, seventeen (17) political parties are fielding candidates for the election. No political party has nominated a female candidate while one (1) candidate nominated by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a person with a disability (a paraplegic),” the statement reads.

Notable candidates on the list include:

– Lucky Aiyedatiwa (All Progressives Congress)

– Olorunfemi Ayodele (Labour Party)

– Olugbenga Omogbemi (NNPP)

– Ajayi Alfred (Peoples Democratic Party)

– Akingboye Benson (Social Democratic Party)

The upcoming election is expected to be closely watched as candidates from various political parties vie for the governorship of Ondo state.