Due to the inadequate Security arrangements by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), the Labour Party (LP) in Osun State has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming local government election scheduled for Saturday. The state chairman of the party, Mr. Adebayo Bello, announced this during a press briefing in Osogbo on Friday. Bello emphasised that the party’s decision was driven by insufficient security measures to protect voters, election officials, and party agents. He called for postponing the election by one to two months to allow the electoral commission to address the security gaps and resolve the legal issues surrounding the poll.
Meanwhile, the party withdrawal has brought to light allegations of poor preparation and mismanagement by OSSIEC. According to Mr. Oyebode Babalola, the party’s chairmanship candidate, the electoral commission failed to provide accreditation tags for LP agents, a critical requirement for monitoring the election. Babalola expressed deep concerns about the potential for violence, stating that the party had observed signs that the election could be disrupted. “We are not ready to put the lives of our people in jeopardy,” he said, noting the group’s commitment to the safety of its members and supporters.
Allied Peoples Movement also withdrew from the local government poll.
Further compounding the situation, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) also announced its withdrawal from the election, citing similar concerns. The APM Chairman, Adewale Adebayo, revealed that attempts to deliver a formal withdrawal letter to OSSIEC’s office on Thursday were thwarted as no officials were present. He expressed disappointment over the commission’s apparent neglect of its duties, noting that the commission staff, including its chairman, had been absent from the headquarters since Wednesday. This absence has fueled speculation about the commission’s readiness to conduct the election and its ability to ensure a credible process.
OSSIEC, established under the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission Law, is tasked with organising, conducting, and supervising local government elections. Its responsibilities include prescribing guidelines for political parties and advising the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on voter registration. However, like many state electoral bodies in the country, OSSIEC has faced criticism over the years, particularly regarding allegations of bias and lack of independence. Critics argue that the commission is often influenced by the ruling party in the state, undermining its ability to conduct impartial elections.
Various political parties criticised the absence of the OSSIEC chairman.
Moreover, the current controversy surrounding the local government poll has further eroded public confidence in the commission. Reports indicate that the commission’s office was under lock and key on Friday, with security personnel turning journalists and group officials away. A security guard at the premises, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that no one had been allowed entry since Wednesday. Efforts to reach OSSIEC Chairman Hashim Abioye for comment were unsuccessful, as calls to his mobile phone went unanswered. This lack of transparency and communication has deepened the crisis, leaving stakeholders concerned about the commission’s plans.
As for security, adequate security is essential for creating an environment where voters can exercise their rights without fear of intimidation or violence. It also prevents electoral malpractices such as ballot box snatching, vote buying, and the manipulation of results. Without robust security measures, the credibility of the electoral process is compromised, undermining public trust in democracy. Local government polls are particularly significant as they directly impact governance at the grassroots level, where the needs of communities are most acutely felt.
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Finally, as the controversy unfolds, stakeholders have a growing consensus that the poll should be postponed to allow the electoral commission to address the identified shortcomings. A delay would allow the commission to strengthen security arrangements, resolve legal issues, and restore confidence in the electoral process. It would also enable political parties to participate fully, ensuring the poll reflects the people’s valid will. Beyond the immediate crisis, this incident underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to enhance the independence and effectiveness of state electoral commissions.