From Richard Akintade, Osogbo
As preparation gathers momentum for the February 2025 Local Government elections in Osun State, the State Independent Electoral Commission, OSSIEC, has reiterated its readiness to conduct free and fair elections in the state.
The OSSIEC Chairman in the state, Hashim Abioye made this assurance in a statement on Saturday while reacting to an insinuation making the round that there was no sign that the state Electoral Commission would hold the council elections as planned.
The OSSIEC Boss emphasised that the Commission had adhered strictly to its timeline and schedule of activities while declaring the rumour as a blatant lie.
According to Abioye, “The amended notice and adjusted timetable issued by the Commission is a complete package and enough for any serious-minded political party to prepare for the elections”.
Abioye said further that, OSSIEC has consistently carried out activities within the framework of the issued guidelines.
The OSSIEC Chairman highlighted key milestones in the commission’s preparation, including the appointment of Electoral Officers, EOs, and Assistant Electoral Officers, AEOs, across all local government areas.
He added further that, “We even appointed special duties EOs and AEOs for efficiency and effectiveness, while retreats, seminars and training sessions had been Organised for all staff involved in the process”.
The OSSIEC Boss revealed further the adoption of a groundbreaking online recruitment process for adhoc staff, saying “This is paperless, the first in history, powered by our high-powered IT facilities. Imagine the cost, disorder lines, and security risks involved if we were to go physical. That has been eliminated now”.
The OSSIEC Chairman who assured the stakeholders and general public of adequate logistical preparations, emphasised that campaigns by political parties were already underway.
Abioye concluded by saying, “There have been adequate logistical preparations, and there won’t be any disappointment by God’s grace, it would not be our making but Almighty God will take absolute control before, during and after the council polls in Osun”.
