The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), on Wednesday, continued its preparations for a seamless and transparent local government election with a visit to the office of the Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Adeniran Tella.
The OYSIEC Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, while speaking at the INEC Headquarters, Ibadan, said that the visit became necessary for OYSIEC to notify the leadership of INEC officially the election date and seek support for effective conduct of the election.
Aare Olagunju explained that the supportive roles of INEC to state electoral Commissions are evident in the law; hence, there is a need to collaborate with INEC to get the desired result.
He sought INEC support on the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS) for the election, saying that the demand was in line with the request of all registered political parties during several engagements.
“We are here today to inform your office officially that our election will come up on 27th April 2024 and also make our request known.
“We received tremendous support from INEC in 202l, and the commission will be glad to receive your advice.
“It is in our plan to display the voter register by January 2024. We need an updated voter register, access to BIVAS for the election, training on ICT devices for our staff, voter education, among others.”
In his response, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oyo State, Dr. Adeniran Tella, promised to synergize with OYSIEC to provide a level playing ground for effective and credible local government election.
Dr. Adeniran said that it was essential for staffers of electoral bodies to have access to necessary apparatus under proper guidance so that elections to be conducted will meet global standards.
He expressed the readiness of INEC to build the capacity of those to be engaged for the election by OYSIEC and provide necessary support in other areas.
On the request of OYSIEC regarding the use of BIVAS, Dr. Adeniran, said that his office will seek approval on behalf of OYSIEC from INEC Headquarters, Abuja.
While reiterating the importance of leadership at the grassroots, Dr. Adeniran, enjoined electorates to stay away from voter apathy but vote for their preferred candidates.
“I believe OYSIEC and INEC are twins, it is our election. OYSIEC gave us necessary support during the last general elections, and we assured you of our support so that people’s votes will not be in jeopardy.
“It is my joy that OYSIEC is leaving no stone unturned, I urge the electorate to vote for preferred candidates.”
