The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) passed a vote of no confidence in the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) on Thursday regarding the local government elections scheduled to take place on February 22, 2025.
In a statement jointly signed by its State Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, Secretary, Mr Oluseye Odesola, and IPAC State Publicity Secretary, Dr Gbenga Afeni, IPAC argued that the conduct of the exercise will be manipulated and can never be credible. U
According to the statement, “IPAC is deeply concerned that OSSIEC’s approach signals a reluctance to conduct transparent and credible elections.”.
“The lack of communication with political parties since the initial meeting raises further doubts about OSSIEC’s commitment to a fair electoral process.”
IPAC, however, alleged a political game orchestrated by OSSIEC and maintained that the action of the commission signals an apparent attempt to manipulate the electoral process.
“Despite OSSIEC’s recent publication announcing plans to conduct local government elections within set guidelines and schedules, IPAC is compelled to bring public attention to what appears to be a political game orchestrated by OSSIEC.”.
“Despite the promising leadership at OSSIEC, including a dynamic chairman and commissioners, IPAC observed a lack of concrete action on the ground.”
“The commission’s publication mentioned a mere 42 working days for party primaries to commence, failing to reference relevant electoral laws or guidelines that should guide their operations.
It, however, charged the State House of Assembly to intervene and compel OSSIEC to adhere to constitutional obligations within a reasonable time frame.
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