By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
Osun State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against the release of the updated voters’ register to the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) or lending any support to Osun Electoral Commission (OSIEC for the purpose of the planned local government election in the state.
This was contained in a press statement issued by Dr Adekunle Akindele, the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Osun State Chapter of the PDP over the weekend.
The PDP had earlier written to INEC not to release the updated voters’ register to OSIEC, saying the planned local government election is subject of a live litigation in court.
The party had in the communication specifically tasked INEC not to aid and abet what it described as “illegality and criminality which can be sanctioned under Section 150 of the Electoral Act, 2022.”
The PDP maintained that the planned council election by OSIEC is illegal and unconstitutional, the process having not been in accord with the provision of the Electoral Act, 2022.
“We call on INEC to desist from supporting illegality. Any support rendered to OSIEC may tarnish the integrity of the national electoral body”, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Osun State PDP, Dr Adekunle Akindele.
The party Chairman further reminded INEC and Osun stakeholders that the Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo has fixed the 13th day of September, 2022 for the hearing of the suit instituted by the PDP against INEC and OSIEC to determine the legality and constitutionality or otherwise of the planned Local Government election.
The hearing will also involve determination of the application by the PDP asking for a mandatory order of injunction to set aside the notice of election and all the steps already taken, being taken and/or about to be taken by INEC and OSIEC with respect to the planned illegal election.
