Following alleged conspiracy, dubious manner and show of charade through which the local government election was conducted by Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission(OYSIEC), the State Chairman of Social Democratic Party(SDP), Hon. Michael Okunlade has asked the Chairman of State Electoral Body, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju to abdicate his duty, so that he could remain man of honour.
Okunlade who said SDP rejected all processes in entirety, made this admonition, while in an exclusive interaction with the crew of acrossnigerianews.com
Igboho-born politician and ex member of Oyo State House of Assembly, advised the Chairman of OYSIEC to abdicate his duty in order to remain man of honour, prestige and integrity.
The SDP State Chairman, hinted that his admonition to resignation as OYSIEC’s boss, was consequent upon alleged conspiracy, dubious manner and clandestine tendencies through which he conducted the last Saturday’s local government poll.
He lamented that he was highly disappointed in the personality, status and pedigree of Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, whom he alleged of failure to conduct a transparent, credible, free and fair election.
He expressed dissatisfaction over the exercise, as phones of members of SDP were destroyed while recording, many sustained various degrees of injuries and countless members across the 33 local governments were totally disenfranchised from participating in the exercise.
Okunlade noted that the local government election which took place on Saturday, April 27, 2024 was masterminded in favour of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) despite promises of heaven and earth made before the conduct of the civic exercise.
While in a memory lane, the SDP State Chairman maintained that he had neither trust in PDP government, nor belief in Governor Seyi Makinde, who earlier promised openness and sincerity towards the smooth conduct of the exercise.
He said, he began to show firm interest and inclusiveness of SDP in the civic engagement, while Olagunju had sent invitation to all stakeholders of political parties in Oyo State and promised to conduct election of one man, one vote that would be counted.
He said, his morale, enthusiasm and eagerness were boosted, having seen and acknowledged how the OYSIEC Chairman, was appearing on all radio stations, addressing press conferences, engaging all security outfits, incorporating National Orientation Agency(NOA) and other pillars of democracy before the council poll.
He added that the time given and thorough discussions with the stakeholders of other political parties on collection of forms, return of forms, electoral enlightenment, training of ad-hoc staff and others, were true indication of free and fair exercise.
Okunlade however maintained that Olagunju’s failure and reluctance to stand by all what he said before the election had made him an unreliable figure in the society.
To maintain his honour, status, name, pedigree and personality, the SDP State Chairman honourably advised him to abdicate his duty as OYSIEC Chairman.
As at the time of filing this report, concerted efforts were made to get reaction of OYSIEC boss, but all to no avail.
