As the November 16 local government elections draw closer, the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has assured political parties of equal opportunities during the polls.
Chairman of the Commission, Babatunde Osibodu, stated this during a media engagement in Abeokuta on Friday.
He noted that the commission would be engaging more with political parties through constructive dialogue and feedback, as well as observing party primaries, to ensure seamless elections.
Osibodu reiterated the Commission’s pledge towards conducting credible polls.
He said, “If the process is seen to be fair, if the process is seen to be credible, if the process is seen to be transparent, then I have done my job.
“The results do not depend on the Commission but on the voters.”
The state’s umpire noted that arrangements for logistics were in place to ensure voting materials arrive early at the venue of each polling unit, maintaining that there is a need for a high caliber of people with proven track records to join hands in the administration of local governments to strengthen democracy at the grassroots.
He disclosed that the commission was working closely with the House of Assembly, civil society organizations, women’s groups, youths and security agencies across the state to prevent security breaches.
Osibodu, however, warned those planning to disrupt the peaceful process to desist or face the wrath of the law.
Ogun LG Polls: OGISEC boss assures political parties of equal opportunities