LG Polls: OSEIC, JDPMC Collaborate To Tackle Election Criminality

-As OSIEC Say Legal Tussle, Vote-buying Not A Threat To 2025 Osun LG Poll

The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) has said legal tussle, vote-buying and other electoral malpractice will not threaten the February 22nd 2025 local government election.

The commission through its chairman, Barrister Ashim Abioye speaking at one-day retreat on on crimes and criminalities in the electoral process organised by the Justice, Development and Peace Makers’ Centre (JDPMC) on Thursday, noted that OSIEC has put in place needed logistics for a hitch-free election.

According to Abioye, Vote-buying is not a threat to election at the local government level. There may be other challenges. We have in place facilities that will help us curb the incidences of vote-buying. I am sure that Osun Residents will give us kudos after the election.“

He added that, “Despite the legal battles we are facing on the 2025 LG election, nothing can threaten the exercise. We have been facing legal challenges, it is part of the process, we are attending to cases in court but as they come we tackle them. There is nothing that has stopped the election and I don’t think there is anything that could stop the election.”

Earlier, the General Coordinator of JDPMC, Rev. Fr. Peter Akinkunmi scored OSIEC high for its preparedness towards the 2025 LG Poll.

“Our organization which is faith-based, we decided to partner with OSIEC because the preparedness of the commission. The preparedness is quite commendable. We are hopeful that the 2025 LG Poll may serve as a model for conduct of LG election in Nigeria.”

Dr. A.O Ayilara, while talking about legal ways to curb Electoral crimes noted that elections should not be seen as do or die as against the political impressions.

Ayilara said “Winner takes it all” he stated violence, electoral manipulation, rigging, vote buying amongst other crimes that could affect credibility of an election.

He further said strengthening electoral law, change of mind set, voters education and awareness are key to electoral reforms.