PDP Warns Oyetola, OSSIEC On Alleged Plan To Conduct Local Government Election
The Osun State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and the Osun Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) against going ahead with the planned local government election in Osun the state.
The PDP in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Osogbo by its Director of Media, Oladele Olabamiji described the plan as illegal saying that the matter is already in court.
“Osun State PDP adverted the mind of Governor Oyetola and the State Electoral Body to a pending suit before the Federal High Court, Osogbo, in FHC/OS/CS/94/2022, by which the Peoples Democratic Party is Challenging OSSIEC on the planned illegal local government election, while at the same time praying the Court to restrain INEC from releasing voters register to OSSIEC for reason of non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 with respect to giving notice of elections, nomination of candidates, publication of names etc”.
According to the PDP, the public should note the act of illegality and criminality being embarked upon by the outgoing Governor and OSSIEC, a body which it alleged has no legal backing for its existence till date.
“Despite being constituted close to two years ago with huge resources expended on the commission chairman, the secretary and staff, the commission has failed to conduct any Local Government election since then, until now when the Oyetola-led APC Administration in Osun State has been voted out of power.
“We affirm that under the Electoral Act 2022, notice of any election must be given not later than 360 days before the election, and nomination of candidates for the election must not be later than 180 days before the election, while publication of names shall be a period not later than 150 days before the election.
“We are therefore alerting members of the public to rise against another wastage and conduit pipe through which the resources of Osun people are being siphoned”, the statement affirmed, warning that no product of illegality will be allowed to stand by the incoming Adeleke administration.
The Party called on Governor Oyetola to channel the funds meant for the illegal election towards settling arrears of salaries of workers and pensioners in the State, the Party concluded.