The party which raised the concern via a press statement issued by its State Chairman, Kayode Babayomi on Thursday, said engaging thugs and other non-state actors in the election would undermine the principles of democracy in the state.
The African Action Congress (AAC), Oyo State Chapter, has raised an alarm over purported plans by the Oyo State Government to engage the services of thugs and hoodlums to manipulate the forthcoming local government elections in the state.
The party which raised the concern via a press statement issued by its State Chairman, Kayode Babayomi on Thursday, said engaging thugs and other non-state actors in the election would undermine the principles of democracy in the state.
The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) had fixed Saturday, April 27, 2024, for the local government election in the state.
The state electoral body earlier announced that the distribution of sensitive materials for the poll would commence on Thursday, April 25, with local government areas in the Oke Ogun axis to receive first.
The statement reads: “It has come to our notice that there are plans by the state government to employ individuals associated with the Park Management System (PMS) to disrupt the electoral process. We categorically denounce such actions as they undermine the very foundations of democracy.
“We urge Governor Makinde and his administration to desist from such acts of election malpractice. The use of thugs to manipulate the electoral process is unacceptable and goes against the principles of free and fair elections.
“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians and civil society organizations to join us in ensuring that the upcoming local government elections are conducted peacefully and without prejudice.
“Furthermore, we caution the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) against any attempts to delay the distribution of election materials to polling units. We are aware of past strategies aimed at manipulating the electoral process, and we will not tolerate any actions that undermine the integrity of the election.
“We urge the Chairman of OYSIEC, Aare Isiaka Olagunju (SAN), to refrain from engaging in partisan politics. The neutrality and fairness of the electoral commission are paramount to the credibility of the election process.
“A free and fair election ensures that candidates are presented a level playing ground regardless of party differences, this Saturday should not be an exception.
“The forthcoming local government election will determine the future of local governance in Oyo State. We call on the people of Oyo to reject any attempts to undermine the autonomy of local governments.
“For too long, local government projects have been neglected, and it is time for a change. The African Action Congress is committed to prioritizing the interests of the people and ensuring a better future for all residents of Oyo State.”