Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission Seeks Collaboration with INEC

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), has sought the support of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in continuation of its preparation for a seamless and transparent Local Government Council Elections in the state.

The OYSIEC Chairman, Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, while speaking during a courtesy visit to the office of the Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Adeniran Tella, at the INEC Headquarters, Ibadan, disclosed that the visit became necessary for OYSIEC to notify the leadership of INEC officially of the election date and seek support for the effective conduct of the election.

Olagunju explained that the supportive role of INEC to the State Electoral Commissions were evident in the law; hence, the need to collaborate with INEC to get the desired result.

He sought the support of INEC on the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS) for the election, saying the demand was in line with the request of all registered political parties during several engagements.

Olagunju stated: “We are here today to inform your office officially that our election will come up on 27th April 2024, and also make our request known. We received tremendous support from INEC in 2021, and the commission will be glad to receive your advice.”

“It is in our plan to display the voter register by January 2024. We need an updated voter register, access to BIVAS for the election, training on ICT devices for our staff, and voter education, among others,” the OYSIEC Chairman explained.

Level playing ground

Responding, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Oyo State, Dr Adeniran Tella, promised to synergise with OYSIEC to provide a level playing ground for an effective and credible Local Government Council Election.

He said it was essential for staff of the electoral bodies to have access to necessary apparatus under proper guidance so that elections to be conducted would meet global standards.

He expressed the readiness of INEC to build the capacity of those to be engaged for the election by OYSIEC and provide necessary support in other areas.

On the request of OYSIEC regarding the use of BIVAS, the REC said his office would seek approval from INEC Headquarters, Abuja, on behalf of OYSIEC.

While reiterating the importance of leadership at the grassroots, Tella enjoined the electorate to vote for their preferred candidates at the election.

He said: “I believe OYSIEC and INEC are twins, it is our election. OYSIEC gave us the necessary support during the last General Elections, and we assured you of our support so that people’s votes will not be in jeopardy.

“It is my joy that OYSIEC is leaving no stone unturned, I urge the electorate to vote for their preferred candidates,” Tella concluded.

Emmanuel Ukoh