Politics

Osun LG Election: APC Criticise OSIEC for Hindering Resolution of Nomination Issues

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 20th, 2024.

Osun LG Election: APC Criticise OSIEC for Hindering Resolution of Nomination Issues

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Hashim Abioye, Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC), of obstructing efforts to address nomination issues related to its candidates ahead of a critical 48-hour deadline.

On Wednesday, OSIEC issued a 48-hour ultimatum to APC, Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Action Peoples Party (APP) to correct nomination discrepancies affecting nine councils in the state, impacting the positions of chairman and vice chairman.

In response, APC State Chairman Tajudeen Lawal released a statement asserting that Abioye is creating an uneven playing field for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for February 22, 2025. Lawal stated that the APC had made arrangements to submit the required documents but was taken aback to find OSIEC closed by 2:15 PM on September 19, leaving no opportunity for communication regarding the issues at hand.

He further highlighted that some of the alleged irregularities cited by OSIEC stemmed from administrative oversights within the commission itself, which had not conducted a thorough review before making public allegations. Lawal criticized OSIEC for lacking a public relations officer to address concerns from political parties, placing the burden of communication on Abioye alone.

Attempts to reach Abioye for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone was unavailable, and he did not respond to messages sent via SMS or WhatsApp by press time.