The clash between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, OSIEC, over the upcoming local government elections scheduled for next year has raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
The statement by the Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Mr. Hashim Abioye, that candidates of the APC and two other parties could be disqualified in seven local governments due to illegal substitution of candidates, has drawn sharp reactions from the APC.
According to the Chairman of the APC in Osun State, Tajudeen Lawal, the alleged infractions are aimed at denying the APC candidates a fair chance in the forthcoming elections. He highlighted the party’s efforts to meet the demands of the electoral commission within the stipulated time frame but faced administrative hurdles as the commission’s offices were closed as the party attempted to comply with the directives.
Meanwhile, the APC has questioned the bias of the Hashim Abioye-led Commission, raising doubts about its impartiality due to its alleged affiliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and past history of political protest.
The issue of alleged non-remediable infractions raised by the electoral commission has also been contested by the APC, accusing the commission of failing to thoroughly verify the facts before making its allegations public.
Amid growing tension between the APC and the Osun Electoral Commission, issues of transparency, impartiality and preparedness for future local government elections remain at the heart of the debate. It is crucial for all stakeholders to commit to preserving the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring free and fair elections for the well-being of local democracy.
Ultimately, the onus lies on the Osun Electoral Commission to demonstrate its capacity to act independently and impartially, while ensuring that all political actors are treated fairly and transparently in the upcoming electoral process. Only an approach based on justice and fairness can ensure the legitimacy and credibility of the upcoming elections in Osun State.