Kwara LG poll: KWASIEC shift nomination forms and submission again- is KWASIEC an appendage of the APC? – CKG
A prominent Civil Society Organization, Concerned Kwarans Group (CKG), based in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital, is alarmed by the lack of transparency, accountability, and political recklessness displayed by the Okanla-led Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC), particularly regarding the forthcoming Local Government Election Polls.
In a statement released by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Issa Lukman Oluwadare, CKG recalls that, due to the agitation of various Civil Society Organizations, with Concerned Kwarans Group spearheading the campaign, the government inaugurated the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC). The primary mandate of KWSIEC is to conduct free, fair, and acceptable Local Government polls for all in the state.
“Pursuant to this, the body released the schedule and guidelines for the election and informed the general public, particularly political parties, through their members to obtain nomination forms for both the Chairmanship and Councillorship positions. They announced July 5 as the deadline for the submission of forms while assuring all parties of credible polls,” Issa said.
He further stated that, in a sudden change of events, KWASIEC, on July 3, announced an extension from the earlier announced schedule. “We are alarmed by the persistent lack of transparency and accountability in KWASIEC’s decision-making processes, which undermines the public’s right to know and participate in democratic governance.”
“Our society contacted some political parties to verify the claim made by KWASIEC regarding the postponement of the nomination form purchase and submission. All parties denied requesting a time extension. These political parties rather expressed concerns about the credibility of the KWASIEC team in conducting free and fair elections, citing the commission’s lack of transparency.”
As an independent body responsible for conducting free, fair, and credible elections, CKG acknowledges the commission’s power to establish its standard operating procedures and work accordingly. However, political parties and other stakeholders must be sufficiently carried along.
In its statement, the body urges the KWASIEC team, led by Mr. Okanla, to uphold transparency, credibility, and fairness in the activities leading to the elections and during the election itself. The group will continue to closely monitor the commission’s activities and, in the interest of the state and democracy, will not hesitate to resist any form of fraudulent act from the commission.
