The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has declared that the final list of candidates vying for chairmanship and councillorship positions in the forthcoming local government council elections will be unveiled by January 15, 2024.
Chairman of OYSIEC, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, conveyed this crucial information during a convened meeting with representatives from the 19 registered political parties.
The session, held at the Conference Room of the Commission in Agodi Gate, Ibadan, also granted political parties the green light to commence campaigning, with the deadline set for April 26, 2024.
For those considering candidate substitutions, Olagunju emphasized that such changes could only occur with the consent of the concerned or affected candidates.
He reaffirmed the importance of the permanent voter’s card as the exclusive means of identification on election day, citing the widespread access to the card among eligible voters.
Olagunju expressed satisfaction with the political leaders’ acceptance of the screening outcomes, urging candidates to conduct their campaigns peacefully.
He stated, “Our message is constant; candidates and political parties are to eschew violence and avoid molestation of one another.”
Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Oyo State, Apostle Dare Ojo, stressed the need for intensified voter education to dispel doubts about the credibility of local government council elections.
He suggested the organization of town hall meetings to further educate the public on the significance of participating in the upcoming elections.
Alhaji Olanite Tajudeen, Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Oyo State, contributed by calling for the proper orientation of electoral officers engaged by OYSIEC to prevent unforeseen circumstances.
He urged candidates to adhere to the law in their campaign activities, emphasizing the importance of conducting campaigns within legal boundaries.