Ensure Credible LG Poll, TORP Tells Osun Electoral Commission

An Osun-based Non governmental organization, The Osun Renaissance
Project (TORP) has appealed to the Chairman, Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Barr. Hashim Abioye to ensure a free and fair local government election in the state.

TORP in a statement signed by its Spokesperson , Olalekan Fagbemi, and made available to CityMirrorNews, in Osogbo, on Thursday stressed the need for OSSIEC to maintain neutrality, independence and avoid bias in favour of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Warning that the people of the state would not tolerate any form of manipulation or rigging, TORP said that the coming local Government election is an opportunity for the the OSSIEC Chairman to prove to the citizens of the state that “his membership of the PDP before undertaking this task, will not interfere with the honourable and fair execution of his duties as head of the important Commission”.

“Most importantly, we use the opportunity to appeal to the Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Barr. Hashim Abioye, and his Commission to ensure that the Local Government election is free, fair, and credible.

“He must realize that the election is an opportunity for him to prove to us all, that his membership of the PDP before undertaking this task, will not interfere with the honourable and fair execution of his duties as head of the important Commission.

“The Local Government election is a litmus test for every stakeholder involved, and it will reveal how invested we all are, in ensuring good governance at our grassroots.”

Frowning at the alleged imposition of candidates by some political parties especially the two leading political parties in the state, the group urged the political gladiators to do away from any act capable of degenerating into a full breakdown of law and order.

“We have keenly followed the events in the State ahead of the Local Government
elections slated for the 22nd day of February, 2025. We have seen some comic reliefs, and then some hot accusations and counter-accusations capable of degenerating into a full breakdown of law and order.

“We are also closely monitoring the actions and inactions of the stakeholders in the political parties in the State, especially the two major political parties – the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress, with particular attention to the
ruling PDP.

“It is disheartening to note that the processes being put in place ahead of the LG election in the PDP, are raising needless dust that if not curbed on time, can degenerate into a breakdown of law and order. We have noted with dismay, the rumoured imposition of candidates across the Local Governments, leading to stubborn resistance by members of the PDP.

“We are aware of concerns in Local Governments like Ife East, where a Chairmanship aspirant is alleging threats to his life; we are aware of concerns across a number of other Local Governments too, including Irepodun, Boripe, Osogbo, Ejigbo, and a host
of others.

“These allegations and counter-allegations point to a more worrisome possibility. If the ruling PDP is having such heated internal wranglings ahead of the election, questions arise about the possibility of free, fair, and credible LG election in 2025. If the party in power cannot put its house in order, and ensure a level playing ground for all aspirants, we have worries about its sincerity and capacity to midwife a credible Local Government election.

“It is thus pertinent to appeal to the powers that be, both in the PDP-led Osun State Government and Osun PDP as a party, to ensure fairness and equity in both the conduct of their intra-party affairs ahead of the LG election, and the election itself.

“Our Local Government governance should not be based on crude imposition, thuggery, and intimidation of eligible aspirants.

“Aware of the opposition APC’s resolve to also participate in the LG election, we are compelled to appeal to both major political parties to ensure that there is maintenance of law and order before, during, and after the Local Government
election.”