The Chairman, Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, OSIEC, Barrister Segun Oladitan, has cried out, saying that his life is in danger over the body’s plan to conduct local government elections in the state.
Oladitan disclosed while addressing journalists at the Commission’s office in Osogbo on Monday, adding that he has been receiving life-threatening messages
Recall that the Commission has fixed October 15 for the conduct of the local government elections.
According to him, the election umpire is aware of the electoral act 2022 (amended), and its position does not contravene the act.
He, however, added that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, will not be used as the Commission is not enabled to do so yet.
“I want to use this medium and use your media to appeal to the people of Osun State that there’s no need for us to heat up the polity. I’m aware of cases in court, people have been threatening me that they are going to arrest me, that they are going to imprison me and so on.
“Let us do everything in accordance with the law, when your case is already in court you don’t have to threaten the person you have sued, you have to allow the law and the court to take its course so I want to appeal to members of the public that there’s nothing we are doing today that is new. If anybody disagree with what I’m doing they should not attack me physically.
“Let me assure you that OSIEC does not contravened the 360 days notice as couched by the electoral act. I am aware of section 28 of Electoral Ac 2022 and we will not go outside of the law. OSIEC is creation of the constitution and stipulated its duties in accordance with the laws enacted by the House of Assembly.
“The Electoral Management Body in conjunction with political parties that will field candidates had to agree before an election can hold, and once they understand each other, the election can proceed. The issues before OSIEC is holding election in tandem with the law.
“Let me assure you that OSIEC does not contravened the 360 days notice as couched by the electoral act. I am aware of section 28 of Electoral Ac 2022 and we will not go outside of the law. OSIEC is creation of the constitution and stipulated its duties in accordance with the laws enacted by the House of Assembly.
“The Electoral Management Body in conjunction with political parties that will field candidates had to agree before an election can hold, and once they understand each other, the election can proceed. The issues before OSIEC is holding election in tandem with the law.
