As preparation continues for the October 15 Local Government Election in the state of Osun, 16 political parties have declared their readiness to participate and field candidates for the election.
Recall that Chairman of Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) Otunba Segun Oladitan during a press conference which held August 15, 2022 in Oshogbo had informed the public of readiness of the commission to conduct the poll in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022 and the Osun State Law on Local Government Election approved by the State Parliament.
Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo on Friday, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) declared its support and readiness of 16 political parties for the exercise, adding that only the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Peoples Party (APP) had threatened to boycott the election “for reasons best known to them.”
Chairman of the Council, Comrade Wale Adebayo who read the statement jointly signed by the 16 political parties disclosed that Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) had planned and informed all political parties about the election before the Covid-19 hindered the process.
“The political parties under the aegis of IPAC met and rubbed minds together and concluded that since the local government and the local council development areas are the nearest administration to the public and the grassroots, IPAC supports every positive step to bring good governance to the people.
“In this wise, IPAC fully supports the conduct of the election by the Election Management Body (EMB) – OSIEC. We hereby enjoin OSIEC to ensure that the exercise is done in conformity with the Electoral Law and the Electoral Act 2022.
He therefore charged the commission to ensure that the election was conducted transparently and must be free, fair and credible.
The statement similarly enjoined people of the state to exercise their civic duties during the poll, saying “of the 18 parties registered in the state, we are happy to confirm that 16 have agreed to participate in the election by presenting candidates for the chairmanship and councillorship positions,”
