The Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, OSIEC, Barrister Hashim Abioye, has reiterated the commitment of the commission to conduct credible and acceptable local government polls in the state.
Barrister Abioye also debunked allegations of manipulations levelled against him by the Interest Party Advisory Council, Osun IPAC, led by Pastor Victor Akande.
Reiterating his commitment in a statement by his secretary, Omoyemi Badru, on Thursday in Osogbo, Abioye said his commitment was highlighted in the notice of election issued by the Commission earlier in February, 2024.
IPAC had alleged that the OSSIEC Chairman, Abioye, was manipulating activities in relation to the scheduled local government poll scheduled for February 2025.
Dismissing the allegation of manipulation raised by IPAC as baseless and needless, Abioye held that election is a process and that since the coming on board of the Commission under his watch, including the time before, during and after the issuance of notice and schedule of activities for the election, the Commission has been carrying IPAC along.
Abioye said he “is being guided by the principle of transparency, accountability and dedication to public service in a way that will guarantee the sustainability of democracy at the grassroots, and at the same time prevent public funds being invested in the conduct of local government elections from going down the drain as it was under the previous administration.”
In addition, the OSSIEC boss stated that “on assumption of office, I promised to carry along all the stakeholders (IPAC inclusive) every step of the way, and I have been acting in total fidelity to that pledge.
“When we issued notice of election in February, I ensured a copy was given to each of all the political parties in the state, notwithstanding whether or not such parties have identified with the Commission under my leadership.
“I have nothing to hide; my doors are always open, our resolve to deliver credible and acceptable local government elections is sacrosanct, our commitment is unwavering in ensuring that public funds being expended on the Commission and its activities have value justification.
“From the timetable and schedule of activities, the period for conduct of primary and nomination of candidates by political parties has been clearly stated and it has not changed as at today. If anything changes at all, it will definitely be the collective decision of all the stakeholders and it will be in the collective interest of the public.
“Within 3 months of my assumption of office, I have embarked on a massive and fantastic facelift of the Commission premises and IPAC can attest to this.
“The commission environment is creating an aura of respectability and friendliness.
“The staff are always on ground and enthusiastic because of the quality leadership we are providing, unlike before.”
The chairman assured IPAC membership and all stakeholders that OSSIEC is competent to deliver on its mandate.
He added that all stakeholders will be treated fairly throughout the entire process.
Osun: Conducting credible LG poll is sacrosanct — OSSIEC Chairman, Abioye