The Chairman of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission, Mohammed Okanla has said that the Commission will conduct transparent free and fair Local Government Council elections in the state, saying that no one can entice him with money.
Reacting to accusations by some political parties that the Commission was showing signs of support for the ruling party in the state at a one-day pre-election Stakeholders Forum held in Ilorin, the state capital on Tuesday, Okanla denied the allegation of supporting any of the 17 registered political parties that put in for the local government election.
He said, “It is unfair for people to accuse me of supporting the ruling party in the state on the local government elections. They are giving false information. Let me tell you, I have my own money and I’m satisfied with whatever I have, no one can entice me with money.”
Okanla, while urging all stakeholders to cooperate with the commission and ensure free, fair, acceptable, inclusive and credible local government elections in the state, said that the LG was the closest to the people at the grassroots.
“Local government elections are crucial as they empower citizens to actively participate in governance. They are the closest form of government to the people, directly addressing local issues and community needs. The elected officials at this level are responsible for essential services such as education, healthcare and infrastructure development.
“These elections also play a significant role in nurturing future political leaders. They provide a platform for emerging leaders to gain experience and demonstrate their capabilities. Moreover, local government elections reinforce political accountability, ensuring that leaders remain responsive to the needs of their communities”, he said.
He observed that the LG elections are full of challenges, saying, “As we approach the elections, we are confronted with issues such as political polarisation, voter apathy and the spread of misinformation, adding security remains a paramount concern. Ensuring the safety of voters, electoral officials and is essential.”
While calling for collaboration of all stakeholders to ensure the success of the election, he said their support would achieve a transparent and credible electoral process.
“The success of the upcoming elections depends on the collaboration of all stakeholders; Political parties, Civil Society organizations, Security agencies, the media and the electorate all have crucial roles to play.
“We have established robust monitoring mechanisms to detect and address any instances of fraud adding collaboration with Civil Society organisations and electoral observers will enhance the credibility and monitoring process”, the chairman said.
He added that the commission had held town hall meetings with traditional rulers and the people in the 16 local government areas of the state.
Also speaking at the forum, the former Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Babatunde Mohammed, who is the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, urged the commission to do what is possible to ensure transparency in the forthcoming local government elections.
Mohammed, while appealing to the Commission to create a level playing ground for all participating political parties, said “The body language of the commission will encourage the masses to come out and vote in the election.”
The state chairman of the Action Alliance, Ismail Ajinikirun, urged the commission to do the right thing in the election adding, “If you do the right thing, your mind will be clear.”
At the Stakeholders Forum were heads of Security Agencies including the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Customs and the Federal Road Safety Corps and the representative of INEC.