Osun Political Parties Boycott Local Government Elections Over Alleged Bias

In Osun State, several political parties under the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have declared their intention to boycott the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for February 2024. The decision was announced during a press conference held on Monday, where IPAC representatives voiced concerns about the impartiality of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) and its chairman, Mr. Hassim Abioye.

Pastor Victor Akande, the chairman of IPAC in Osun State, alleged that Abioye, a purported card-carrying member of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), is biased and seeks to favor the PDP in the upcoming elections. Akande recalled that IPAC had strongly opposed Abioye’s appointment in November 2023, citing his previous role as Senior Special Assistant on Legal Matters to Governor Ademola Adeleke as evidence of potential bias.

Akande claimed that Abioye has plans to employ PDP members as Electoral Officers during the elections, which, according to IPAC, undermines the credibility and fairness of the electoral process. He further accused Abioye of withholding crucial information about the election process, including the fees required for party primaries, leading to uncertainty and potential financial burdens on participating parties.

The political parties that have joined the boycott include:

– Action Alliance

– African Democratic Congress

– Accord Party

– Social Democratic Party

– African Action Congress

– New Nigeria Peoples Party

– Allied Peoples Party

– Peoples Redemption Party

– All Progressives Grand Alliance

– Zenith Labour Party

– Action Democratic Party

– Action Peoples Party

– Labour Party

– Boot Party

– National Rescue Movement

– Young Peoples Party

Akande expressed that the PDP-led administration in Osun State is creating a hostile environment for the elections, aimed at deterring voters and other political parties from participating. He emphasized that the current climate undermines the democratic process and the ability of citizens to vote securely for their preferred candidates.