The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to immediately reverse the appointment of Hashim Abioye as the Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC).
Abioye, who is allegedly associated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, previously served as Adeleke’s Special Adviser on Legal Matters.
Before the recent appointment, the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Osun State chapter had rejected Abioye’s nomination.
IPAC, in its rejection, emphasized that the appointment violated the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The council also expressed concerns that with Abioye at the helm of OSSIEC, the commission would be unable to conduct credible elections in the state.
Reacting to the situation, the Chairman of Osun APC, Tajudeen Lawal, released a statement in Osogbo on Monday, demanding the reversal of the appointment.
In a section of the statement, Lawal stated, “By appointing one of Adeleke’s associates as the OSSIEC chairman, there will be no independence in the commission’s activities other than its name.”
“The appointment of Abioye clearly implies that those advising Adeleke need to address questions regarding political propriety, morality, and fair play,” Lawal continued.
He further added, “The appointment of Adeleke’s Special Adviser as the OSSIEC chairman has undermined the commission’s statutory purpose.”
“It is crucial for Adeleke to allow OSSIEC to fulfill its mandate in accordance with the Constitution. What is currently unfolding at the commission is an anomaly that contradicts genuine constitutional governance,” Lawal emphasized.
“The nature of OSSIEC’s expected responsibilities necessitates the leadership of a non-partisan figure to ensure its activities are not influenced by controversial political interests,” Lawal pointed out.
Lawal concluded, “By appointing one of Adeleke’s close associates as OSSIEC chairman, democracy at the local government level in the state bids farewell.”
