Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission Chairman, Babatunde Osibodu, has reaffirmed the commission’s authority to set election dates without consulting political parties or candidates.
Osibodu’s statement on Friday follows a lawsuit filed by 16 political parties challenging OGSIEC’s imposition of administrative charges and election timetable.
The High Court in Abeokuta recently upheld OGSIEC’s authority to conduct Local Government Elections and set election dates.
The court ruling reinforces OGSIEC’s mandate to ensure free, fair, credible, and transparent elections across the state’s 236 wards. Osibodu emphasized the commission’s commitment to creating a level playing field for all political parties.
The chairman also assured that OGSIEC remains open to constructive dialogue and collaborations with stakeholders while adhering to the legal framework guiding its operations. The commission has already announced November 16, 2024, as the date for the local government elections, according to Daily Post.
This development resolves the dispute over OGSIEC’s authority and paves the way for the upcoming elections. The commission’s commitment to fairness and transparency aims to boost public confidence in the electoral process.
He pointed out that, “the judgement delivered by Justice Tajudeen Ogunsokan, reinforces the Commission’s mandate at ensuring a free, fair, credible and transparent elections across the 236 wards in the state”.
He reiterated the Commission’s commitment towards creating a level playing field for all political parties, noting that, “the ruling does not only support our procedures but also emphasises our responsibility to uphold the election timetable”.
