The Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has criticized the state Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) for its management of the upcoming September 21 local council elections timetable.
The State Secretary of the primary opposition party, Abdullah Kayode Abdulrahman, voiced these concerns on Tuesday during a one-day pre-election stakeholders forum organized by KWASIEC at Fresh Hotel in Ilorin, the state capital. Abdullahi expressed dismay at the commission’s decision to extend the timetable on two occasions, which he believed had disrupted the initial procedures outlined by the commission.
He urged KWASIEC to disseminate the revised timetable not only to the registered political parties but also to the general public, emphasizing that such actions were unexpected by the public.
The state party secretary, emphasizing that there was no commendable aspect in KWASIEC’s activities as of yet, also raised questions regarding the authority under which the commission extended the timetable.
He advised the commission to caution its yet-to-be-hired ad-hoc staff, electoral officers (EOs), and assistant electoral officers (AEOs) to maintain impartiality before, during, and after the local government elections.
Abdullahi cautioned the commission against permitting the ruling party, APC, to enlist ad-hoc staff on their behalf, stressing the significance of impartiality in the electoral process.
He underscored that this measure would guarantee a free, fair, and credible election, devoid of partisan interference.
The Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, continues to emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process. As the local council elections approach, it is crucial for KWASIEC to uphold the integrity of the electoral timetable without further extensions. The PDP urges the commission to ensure that all stakeholders, including political parties and the general public, are well-informed about any changes to the election schedule.
Moreover, the PDP calls for strict oversight on the recruitment of ad-hoc staff, electoral officers, and assistant electoral officers to prevent any bias or favoritism during the electoral process. It is essential for KWASIEC to maintain neutrality and fairness to guarantee a level playing field for all parties involved. By adhering to ethical standards and promoting impartiality, the commission can uphold the principles of democracy and ensure a credible outcome in the upcoming local government elections.
