As part of efforts to guarantee peaceful conduct of the forthcoming 2021 Local Government elections, the Chairman, Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), Mr. Babatunde Osibodu has said the Commission is considering signing of Peace Accord by all political parties participating in the election.
Mr. Osibodu, who made the disclosure while briefing news men in his office in Abeokuta on the preparation of the Commission for the polls, coming up on July 24 2021, revealed that the move will engender peace, mutual respect and guide against violence, assuring that the Commission was exploring different avenues, with the view to building confidence of electorates and other stakeholders.
Osibodu said the Commission was still waiting for the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on whether it will use the newly created Polling Units or the already existing ones for the conduct of the elections, promising that in the next couple of days, members of the public would be adequately informed.
He assured that the Commission would continue to be unbiased and transparent in its dealings with all political parties, noting that, “we are independent and our actions are not tailored to favour any individual or groups, however, if there are any specifics, where people have seen our actions and believe them to be biased in favour of one party or another, or believe them to be influenced by the government, they should bring it up and we will address it. It is impossible to answer insinuations, innuendos, without being specific”.
Osibodu said the Commission will commence courtesy, advocacy and sensitisation visits to Paramount Rulers in the State, in order for them to further enlighten their subjects on the need to fully participate in the polls, pledging that Electoral Officers (EOs) and other ad-hoc staff will also be used for Voter Education.
While disclosing that names of all cleared candidates will be published soon, he enjoined all participating political parties to continue with their campaigns until midnight of Thursday, July 22, 2021, when campaigns are expected to end.
Ahmed Taofeek,
Press Officer, OGSIEC
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