The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has concluded the screening exercises for chairman and councillorship candidates ahead of the fast-approaching local government elections in the state.
The Commission’s Chairman, Aare Isiaka Olagunju, SAN, disclosed this on Friday.
The screening exercise, which was held at OYSIEC premises, Agodi-Gate, Ibadan, allowed the Commission to ascertain qualified candidates based on information provided and criteria required by the state’s electoral law.
While speaking on the screening exercise, Aare Olagunju, attributed the success recorded by the Commission to the cooperation received from the political parties and their candidates.
The OYSIEC chairman explained that the names of qualified and successful candidates would be made known soon to all the political parties, while some candidates who have issues with their profiles are to appear for another screening by next week for proof of claims.
“You will recall that the screening exercise started on the 30th October, 2023, and it ended today, 10th November, 2023.
“I must say we could not have achieved what we achieved if not for the cooperation we received from the entire political parties and their candidates, we appreciate them all.
“What remains now is that some of the candidates who submitted their profiles, some are still under investigation, if we see any of them that are not fit to contest chairmanship or councillorship positions, there is still room for affected political parties to make substitutions for such candidates. If there is none, the coast is clear, parties can now start canvassing for votes from electorates in various local governments ahead of the 27th April, 2024 polls.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Oyo State Chapter, Apostle Dare Ojo, explained that all the registered political parties in the state have agreed to participate in the election.
Apostle Dare, who is also the Chairman of Action Democratic Party (ADC) in the state, emphasized the need for adequate security and constant orientation of voters for a peaceful election and massive turnout.
He appealed to the state government to put in place a security architecture that is capable of securing the lives and properties of the populace on election day and beyond.
He noted that IPAC would set up a security team within members of the political parties in a bid to have a violence-free election.
He advised the populace to put aside negative thoughts they have on the conduct of local government council elections but to identify the right person and exercise their fundamental right on election day.
In their separate remarks, the Secretary, All Progressive Congress (APC), Oyo State, Alhaji Olanite Tajudeen and acting Public Relations Officer, Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Oyo State, Michael Ogunsina, they expressed the readiness of their parties for the council poll.
The duo admonished the leadership of OYSIEC to live up to expectations by providing a level playing ground for all the political parties.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
