The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible local government council elections, promising strict adherence to electoral laws and transparent processes.
OYSIEC Chairman, Dr. Babatunde Adeniyi, gave the assurance during an engagement with members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Oyo State Chapter, and executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents’ Chapel at the commission’s headquarters in Agodi, Ibadan.
Adeniyi called on political parties, IPAC, and the media to collaborate with the commission to ensure that the forthcoming elections are conducted in a manner acceptable to all stakeholders. He also commended the media for its role in previous elections, describing journalists as “partners in progress” and urging them to continue supporting OYSIEC in promoting transparency.
“The commission will do everything humanly possible to conduct a credible and acceptable election. We count on the cooperation of political parties and the media to deepen democracy at the grassroots and ensure that the voice of every citizen is respected,” Adeniyi said.
The Chairman, NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr. Yinka Adeniran, said the visit was meant to strengthen collaboration with the commission and congratulate its leadership on its renewed commitment to credible electoral processes.
Meanwhile, the new IPAC Chairman in Oyo State, Mr. Kabiru Akinade, raised concerns over the concept of a political party emerging as winners in all local government councils. He stressed that such a “winner-takes-all” approach discourages active participation by other parties, limiting the democratic process at the grassroots.
“By addressing this ideology, OYSIEC can encourage political pluralism and allow citizens to actively participate in local government elections,” Akinade said, urging the commission to take proactive measures to ensure inclusivity and fairness.
