The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) and local political party leaders have jointly appealed to the Federal Government to refrain from withholding local government funds due to delays in conducting local elections. This plea was made during an interactive session held at OSIEC’s office in Osogbo on Tuesday.
In a communique presented by Mr. Victor Akande, Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Osun State, both parties emphasized that OSIEC is actively working on organizing local government elections, adhering to the timeframes outlined in the Electoral Act 2022 (Amended). They pointed out that the commission commenced the election process before the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding local government elections and revenue allocations.
Key Points from the Communique:
- Request to Federal Government: The OSIEC and party leaders urged the Federal Government to continue funding local government areas in Osun, highlighting that the election process had already begun as of January.
- Legal Compliance: They asserted that OSIEC has not violated any laws, as the Electoral Act mandates that election notices should be issued 360 days before elections.
- Vote of Confidence: Political party leaders expressed their confidence in OSIEC, promising their full support to ensure the elections are credible and serve as a model for future elections across Nigeria.
- Commitment to Fair Elections: OSIEC Chairman, Hashim Abioye, reiterated the commission’s dedication to conducting a free and fair election, aiming to make it a reference point in Nigeria. He noted the support from all 17 political parties in the state, which he believes will help meet their expectations.
The local government elections in Osun State are scheduled for February 2025, and both OSIEC and political leaders are optimistic about a successful electoral process.