OSUN STATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION: NYCN COMMENDS OSSIEC AS COMMISSION UNVEILS ELECTORAL MATERIALS

By Hassan Rafiu

The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has assured stakeholders of its commitment to conducting a credible, transparent, and fair local government election scheduled for Saturday. This assurance came during a press briefing held by OSSIEC, where electoral materials, including specimen ballot papers embedded with QR codes, were unveiled to political parties and relevant stakeholders.

The meeting was attended by representatives of 16 out of the 19 registered political parties in the state. During the event, the Chairman of OSSIEC welcomed attendees, appreciating the support of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and various student union representatives. He confirmed that 18 political parties had successfully completed their Know Your Customer (KYC) process and that no party had officially withdrawn from the contest.

The IPAC Chairman, who also serves as the Chairman of the Accord Party, commended OSSIEC for its commitment to electoral transparency. He praised the extensive renovation of the OSSIEC office and lauded the unveiling of the specimen ballot paper, emphasizing that it marked a historic step in the state’s electoral process. He particularly appreciated the introduction of QR-coded ballots, which prevent ballot papers from one local government from being used in another, thereby enhancing electoral security.

NYCN Calls for Youth Protection and Security

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NYCN Osun State Chapter, Comr. Akinbode Olakolupo, reiterated the importance of youth participation in the election. He emphasized that the lives of young people matter and called on the government to ensure peace before, during, and after the election. He urged OSSIEC to collaborate with security agencies to provide adequate protection for voters, especially young participants, in the electoral process.

Political Parties in Attendance

While PDP and APP sent their apologies for being unable to attend, the following party chairmen were present at the press briefing:

Accord Party Chairman,

New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Chairman, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) Chairman, Action Democratic Party (ADP) Chairman, Labour Party (LP) Chairman, People’s Redemption Party (PRP) Chairman, Social Democratic Party (SDP) Chairman, Young Progressive Party (YPP) Chairman, African Democratic Congress (ADC) Chairman, Youth Party (YP) Chairman among others 

With OSSIEC’s commitment to a transparent process and the introduction of security-enhanced ballot papers, stakeholders remain optimistic about a free and fair election. The NYCN has reiterated its call for peaceful conduct and adequate security measures to protect voters and election officials alike.