The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Osun State has issued a strong call for the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to maintain its focus and proceed with the scheduled local government elections on February 22nd, amidst a flurry of legal challenges and what the party describes as a deliberate campaign of calumny aimed at disrupting the polls. With the election date looming just a month away, the NNPP’s state chairman, Tosin Odeyemi, expressed concerns over recent social media activity questioning the legitimacy of the electoral process and the commission itself. He questioned the timing of these objections, emphasizing that preparations, including significant financial investments, have been underway since January of the previous year. Odeyemi urged OSSIEC to resist these pressures and fulfill its mandate to conduct the elections.
Odeyemi’s statement highlighted the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring the successful execution of the local government elections. He recalled a previous meeting attended by representatives of various political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), where a vote of confidence was passed in the OSSIEC, led by Hassim Abioye. This demonstrated, according to Odeyemi, a prior consensus and acceptance of the commission’s authority and preparedness to conduct the elections. He therefore found the current attempts to undermine the process perplexing and counterproductive, especially considering the widespread demand for local government autonomy.
The NNPP chairman underscored the importance of these elections for revitalizing grassroots governance. He argued that the current state of affairs, where state governors effectively control local administrations, has been detrimental to local development and responsiveness to community needs. The upcoming elections, according to Odeyemi, offer a critical opportunity to restore democratic principles at the local level and empower communities to manage their own affairs. He cautioned against any actions that could jeopardize this progress and perpetuate the existing system of centralized control, which he believes has failed to serve the interests of the people.
Odeyemi’s call for OSSIEC to remain resolute reflects the NNPP’s conviction that the local government elections are essential for strengthening democracy and improving governance at the grassroots level. The party believes that allowing legal challenges and last-minute objections to derail the electoral process would not only waste valuable resources already invested but also disenfranchise the local populace and stifle their aspirations for greater autonomy and self-determination. The NNPP’s stance underscores the importance of upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that the voices of local communities are heard and respected.
Furthermore, the NNPP’s concerns highlight the broader challenges facing electoral processes in Nigeria. The proliferation of legal challenges and accusations of political maneuvering often create uncertainty and instability, potentially undermining public trust in democratic institutions. The party’s call for OSSIEC to stay the course reflects a desire for a more predictable and transparent electoral environment, where decisions are based on established procedures and legal frameworks rather than political expediency. This emphasis on due process is crucial for fostering confidence in the electoral system and ensuring that outcomes are widely accepted as legitimate.
In conclusion, the NNPP’s plea to OSSIEC to resist distractions and proceed with the scheduled local government elections represents a broader appeal for the strengthening of democratic principles and good governance in Nigeria. The party’s emphasis on the importance of local government autonomy, the need for adherence to established procedures, and the rejection of last-minute attempts to disrupt the electoral process highlights the significance of these elections for the future of Osun State and the broader Nigerian political landscape. The NNPP’s stance serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to ensure that democratic processes are truly representative, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the people.
