LG poll: Osun electoral body begins contestants’ certificate verification
The Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, Mr Hasim Abioye, on Monday, inaugurated a committee to verify the certificates and other documents of contestants participating in the forthcoming local government elections in the state.
Addressing the committee members shortly before the inauguration of the 18-member group, headed by Mr Abdul-Lateef Olayanju in Osogbo, Osun State, Abioye stated that the committee would examine the documents and other papers submitted by political parties and their candidates for the elections.
The OSSIEC Chairman noted that the high-level committee comprised individuals of high integrity who have served and continue to serve their country in various capacities.
Expressing confidence in the committee’s ability to fulfil its mandate, Abioye also mentioned that the report of the exercise would be made public.
“This is a high-level committee composed of people of high integrity who have served and/or are still serving their country in various capacities. They are seasoned professionals and technocrats; they are people of conscience and high repute.
“They are tasked with examining the documents and papers submitted by political parties and their candidates for the election. They will verify the age compliance, academic qualification compliance, and tax compliance of the candidates.
“I believe that, at the end of the process, the committee will submit its report, which shall be made public by the grace of God. With this, the public’s confidence in the integrity of the process undertaken by the Commission will be guaranteed. The committee’s work commences immediately,” Abioye said.
He added that, for the first time in the Commission’s history, external bodies were being invited to participate and actively engage in OSSIEC’s activities, assuring that transparency would remain the agency’s watchword.
OSSIEC has scheduled the next local government elections in the state for 22 February 2025. Eighteen political parties, including the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the main opposition, All Progressives Congress, have expressed their intention to participate in the polls.
