The chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Kwara State, Prince Oyedeji Oyekunle, has expressed a vote of no confidence in the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC) concerning the forthcoming local council polls scheduled for September 21, 2024.
In a statement issued in Ilorin on Thursday, Oyekunle, who also serves as the State Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Kwara Chapter, stated:
“As the State Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, and the State Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Kwara Chapter, I have received and carefully reviewed the reports and feedback from various stakeholders concerning the conduct of these primaries.
“It is with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to democracy that I must express our (IPAC) grave concerns regarding the competency, capability, and efficiency of the Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs) and Electoral Officers (EOs) of KWSIEC.
“The reports we have gathered highlight significant irregularities and inefficiencies that cast serious doubt on the ability of these officials to conduct credible and fair local government elections.
“Given these unpalatable reports, it is evident that the current state of affairs within KWSIEC does not inspire confidence.
Therefore, we are compelled to pass a vote of no confidence on KWSIEC’s capacity to conduct the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.
“We urgently call on the State Chairman of KWSIEC, Mr. Muhammed Baba Okanla, to reassess the competence and readiness of his AEOs and EOs.
An immediate and comprehensive overhaul is necessary to ensure that only the most qualified and capable hands are entrusted with the critical task of managing these elections.
“While we reiterate our support and that of IPAC for KWSIEC to oversee peaceful, fair, and credible elections, the commission must take decisive steps to restore public confidence.
All eyes are on KWSIEC, and it is imperative that the commission rise to the occasion, ensuring a level playing field for all participants.”
The APM chairman urged KWSIEC “to discharge her duties with utmost integrity and transparency to uphold the democratic values we all cherish.”
In response to these allegations, the chairman of KWSIEC, Muhammed Baba Okanla, told the Journalists at his office on Fate Road that the commission would investigate the allegations against its staff and take appropriate action.
He noted that Thursday remained the closing date for the primary elections of the political parties participating in the local council polls.
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