Oyo LG election: OYSIEC urges parties to intensify preparations

Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan

Chairman of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, has urged members of the political parties in the state to intensify efforts on preparations for the coming local government election in order to achieve their set goals.

He made the call while addressing members of registered political parties in the state at the OYSIEC office, Agodi Quarters, Ibadan, the state capital.

Olagunju, who commended the executives of political parties for their cooperation towards the success of the election preparations, called on the leadership of political parties to further educate their followers on the need to maintain good conduct during the campaign and on Election Day.

He hinted that the commission was still consulting on their request for the reduction of the prescribed fee to allow all political parties to participate actively in the election.

“Our target is to have the election as planned; political parties are equal before us, and we are extremely determined to be transparent. We are open to constructive criticisms and also ready to listen to advice.

“We appreciate political parties that have acted based on our request while appealing to the remaining parties to kindly do the needful within the time frame agreed upon. On our part, the election will be fair, free, credible, and transparent,” he said.

In their separate remarks, the state’s chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Otunba Adegbenro Fagbemi; and national vice chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), South-West, Dr. Samson Olalere, emphasized the need for political parties to identify localities at which they have the possibilities of emerging victorious during the election and strategize accordingly.

The IPAC chairman also appealed to all and sundry to give OYSIEC the benefit of doubt as regards its pledge of conducting a credible election come May 15 by participating actively in the poll.

He said “the integrity of the OYSIEC team is at stake and we cannot judge or conclude that there won’t be a level playing field for all political parties as promised by the commission, until after the election.

“The task ahead concerns the electorate, political parties, and the umpire itself. We have to come together to develop our dear state. So, let’s give the commission the benefit of doubt and field credible candidates for the election.”

The stakeholders’ meeting, scheduled to hold continually, had in attendance the representatives of political parties that have a presence in the state.