•••urges political parties to maintain peaceful relationship
The Chairman, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC ), Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN , has called on political parties in the state to uphold the laws guiding the conduct of Local Government Councils election in the state and maintain harmonious relationship to have a peaceful election.
Olagunju, while speaking during a meeting with members of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Oyo State, held on Thursday at the Headquarters of the Commission, Agodi , Ibadan, sought continued cooperation and understanding of members of the political parties participating in the forthcoming election in a bid to have a free, fair, transparent and acceptable elections.
While enumerating plans mapped out by the Commission ahead of the poll, Olagunju hinted that pasting of voters registers are ongoing across the polling units for eligible voters to verify their names.
He reiterated that permanent voter’s card will be the only document to be used for voting on the day of election as agreed at previous engagements with the political parties.
While responding to questions and issues raised at the meeting, the OYSIEC boss explained that the police and some other security agencies have promised to collaborate with OYSIEC to have a successful election, noting that the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) also known as Amotekun Corps will not be engaged for election activities.
He appealed to IPAC to present representatives to jointly monitor electoral process, particularly during the distribution and delivery of voting materials across polling units.
He admonished political parties not to compromise with the election guidelines but contribute their quota as true citizens of Oyo state to its development.
In his remarks, the IPAC Chairman, Oyo State, Otunba Adegbenro Fagbemi, revealed that the meeting provided a platform to identify challenges that could be confronted during the election.
He expressed the readiness of IPAC members to observe the distribution of election materials across the seven geopolitical zones of the state.
He called for concerted efforts from relevant stakeholders and residents of the state to have a replica of the last general elections, which he said were peaceful.
In their separate remarks, the Secretary, All Progressives Congress, Oyo State, Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite and Mr.Kayode Babayemi of African Action Congress, urged members of participating political parties to abide by the election rules and regulations.
Kayode Babayemi also submitted that engagement with the security agencies and other relevant stakeholders is key to the success of the election, scheduled for April 27, 2024.
The meeting had in attendance representatives of participating political parties, OYSIEC Commissioners and the Directors of the commission.