The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has announced that 18 political parties will participate in the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, 22nd February 2025.
The Chairman of OSSIEC, Hassim Abioye, disclosed this on Tuesday during the unveiling of voting materials at the commission’s headquarters in Osogbo, the Osun State capital. He assured the public that the commission was fully prepared to conduct a free, fair, and credible election.
“We are fully prepared to conduct a free, fair, and credible election. All necessary materials have been secured, and we are working closely with security agencies to ensure a smooth process,” Abioye stated.
The unveiled specimen voting materials included ballot papers, result sheets, and other essential election items. The OSSIEC chairman also revealed that for the first time, the commission had introduced voting cubicles to enhance efficiency and reduce long queues.
“For the first time, we have a voting cubicle that will allow two persons to vote at a time to reduce long queues. Our ballot boxes are ready, and the ballot papers are barcoded in a way that the one meant for a local government cannot be used in another local government,” he explained.
Abioye further confirmed that the distribution of election materials to various local government areas would begin immediately. He also clarified that all 18 registered political parties were set to participate, with none withdrawing from the election.
“As I am talking to you now, all the 18 political parties who registered are participating. We have not heard of any political party withdrawing from the election. We have not received any communication to that effect, and that will not in any way hamper the process of the election,” he added.
The event was attended by party representatives, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), civil society organisations, and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Speaking on behalf of IPAC, Osun IPAC Chairman, Victor Akande, commended OSSIEC’s transparency and innovative measures, urging the commission to resist external pressures and ensure a credible and transparent electoral process.
“We appreciate the transparency of OSSIEC in this process and expect a level playing field for all candidates,” Akande said.
