By Adeleye Kunle
THE PDP in Osun State warned the state government and the State Independent Electoral Commission, OSIEC, yesterday to abandon any plans to hold local government elections in the state.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media, Oladele Olabamiji, the PDP warned that there was a pending suit before the Federal High Court, Osogbo, in FHC/OS/CS/94/2022, in which the party is challenging OSIEC on the planned illegal local government election, while also urging the Court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from releasing voters’ register to OSIEC for non-compliance with the provisions of
“The public is invited to note the act of illegality and criminality being embarked upon by the outgoing Governor and his OSIEC, a body which has no legal backing for its existence to date,” the PDP said.
“Despite being established nearly two years ago, with significant resources expended on the commission’s chairman, secretary, and staff, the commission has failed to hold any Local Government elections since then, until now, when the Oyetola-led APC administration in Osun State has been voted out of power.”
“We affirm that, under the Electoral Act 2022, a notice of any election must be given no later than 360 days before the election, nomination of candidates for the election must be made no later than 180 days before the election, and publication of names must be made no later than 150 days before the election.”
PDP should wait its turn – APC
However, in a swift response, the All Progressives Congress, APC, through its Publicity Secretary, Wole Adunola, urged the PDP to wait until it gains power before enacting policies deemed necessary for the state.
The APC stated, “The PDP should wait its turn to begin implementing state programs and policies.” It should be remembered that the APC is still the ruling party until November 27 and will continue to do what it deems necessary for the development of the state.
“Instead of threatening the state’s peace, the PDP needs to know its boundaries and act within them.”
OSIEC responds
Similarly, the Chairman of OSIEC, Segun Oladitan, stated in a statement that the body is the only one charged with conducting local government elections and that guidelines would be made available at the appropriate time.
“The only recognized body to announce the date for the Local Government Election is the Osun Independent Electoral Commission,” the OSIEC boss said. “Any date coming from any other source other than OSIEC should be disregarded by the public.” The Commission will issue election guidelines at the appropriate time to put an end to the unnecessary rumors being spread.”
CSO wants laws to be followed.
On its part, The Osun Masterminds, TOM, said during its monthly state of the state press briefing, which was addressed by the Executive Director, Dr Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, that the state government is free to conduct local government elections if it is willing to abide by the existing laws governing such an exercise.
“We wish to state unequivocally that if the current government deems it fit to hold a local government election, it must do so only if all stakeholders, including the PDP, are carried along and all relevant laws are obeyed,” Oyedokun-Alli said. We are a law-governed people, and we must ensure that we never fail to obey the laws of our land.
“The Local Government election has been long overdue, but if the current government feels compelled to hold it, it must be about leaving a proper legacy of inclusive governance rather than laying landmines for his successor.” While there is a fine line between the two, we believe that with inclusive planning, the fears will be alleviated and the state will come out on top.”
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