The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Oyo State, has pledged to create more awareness on the forthcoming Local Government Councils Election in Oyo State and also accord the State’s electoral umpire total support to have a peaceful and credible election.
Speaking on Thursday during the visit of IPAC new executives to the Office of the Chairman, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) , Agodi Quarters, Ibadan, the IPAC Chairman, Otunba Fagbemi Adegbenro, emphasized the need for OYSIEC not to engage in acts that could mar the electoral process.
The IPAC boss assured that the body will not relent in its efforts to change the narratives associated with the conduct of local government councils election but work closely with OYSIEC towards ensuring the credibility of the elections.
On the possibilities of OYSIEC making use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System ( BVAS) for the polls, Otunba Fagbemi revealed that BVAS is in the custody of the Independent Electoral Commission, which according to him, may not be released to OYSIEC for use during the exercise.
He however expressed optimism that non-availability of BVAS on election day will not hinder the electoral process, adding that the usage of BVAS alone in an election cannot confer credibility of election.
The new IPAC Chairman maintened that the body will partake in the election with or without BVAS.
He said, “IPAC and OYSIEC have been partners in progress, we are monitoring them closely to see the progress so far.”
“Some political parties might not be strong in all the local governments but strong in other areas Go out and prove your popularity.
“We cannot use BVAS for this election because I definitely knew INEC will not release it because it is the exclusive property of INEC, and this is State election.
“And if the state wants to acquire BVAS, it is costly. So, for this election, we are not using BVAS.
“We did it in 2021, just bring your means of identification, your permanent voter’s card, once your name is on the voter register, you will vote. Otunba Fagbemi opined.
In their separate contributions, the IPAC Secretary, Akinade Opeyemi, and Public Relations Officer, Engr. Gbeminiyi Ayodele, called for constant engagement with the security chiefs in the state by OYSIEC and signing of peace accord by all the political parties to aids more participation.
They also advised the Commission to supervise the conduct of ad-hoc staff to be engaged for the election and monitor them closely so that the electoral process won’t be compromised.
Responding, the OYSIEC Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN,
described the visit of the new executives to the commission as significant considering the state of preparations of the Commission for the election scheduled for 27th April, 2024.
Olagunju , while appealing to political parties to play the game according to the rules, hinted that necessary arrangements have been made by the Commission to have a peaceful and acceptable elections, assuring that the interest of the people will prevail on election day.
He explained that the Commission is in constant touch with the security agencies in the state to have an election that is more peaceful.
On the ongoing recruitment of ad- hoc staff to be engaged for the polls, Aare Olagunju said the Commission will soon release the names of successful candidates, adding that over 38,000 residents applied for the job.
While congratulating the IPAC new executives for their victories at the poll, the OYSIEC boss sought continued support of IPAC for the success of the poll.
