INSECURITY, POLITICAL INTERFERENCE, ALLEGED electoral malpractice and conflicting court judgments have been raised as some of the red flags that marred the recently conducted local government election in Osun state.
These issues however questioned the credibility, transparency and security of the electoral process, according to the CLEEN Foundation, an organisation which promotes public safety, security and accessible justice.
In a statement obtained by The Explainer on Monday, February 24 and signed by the acting executive director of the organisation, Peter Maduoma pointed out that there remains a shadow of doubt over the real autonomy of local government bodies.
It explained that true decentralization and autonomy of local government required not only the delegation of responsibilities but also the provision of adequate resources, authority, and capacity to act independently.
It expressed worries over the recent killing in Osun state regarding its local government election and the political influence of the state government on the election outcome
“Osun State was all over the news this past weekend for so many obvious reasons. In Irewole Local Government Area, a former council chairperson, Remi Abass, was reportedly killed during a confrontation. Additionally, in Ilesa East Local Government, an unidentified individual was allegedly killed by hoodlums. Reports had it that over 6 persons lost their lives.
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“As an organization committed to promoting security, justice, and democratic accountability, CLEEN Foundation is concerned that the prevailing circumstances undermine the principles of free, fair, and credible elections. The role of security agencies in maintaining neutrality, the commitment of political actors to peaceful conduct, and the adherence to the rule of law by all stakeholders are fundamental in ensuring the credibility of any electoral process. The situation in Osun State raises concerns about the sustained influence of Governors on the LGAs’ election, administrations and operations.”
It furthered that the withdrawal of some political parties from the poll due to a recent court of Appeal judgement to reinstate sacked local government officials rendered the election illegal and unnecessary.
According to the statement, “The situation escalated tensions between the political parties, leading to violent clashes and a struggle for control over local government council offices.
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“Reports from the field indicate cases of violence, including attacks on party members and forceful occupation of local government offices by rival groups. These incidents not only undermine democratic principles but also endanger the safety of citizens participating in the electoral process. We call for a quick intervention in this situation to avoid setting precedents.”
Contrarily, the state government maintained that the Court of Appeal’s ruling had been misinterpreted by the opposition, further complicating the political landscape.
However, CLEEN urged security agencies to investigate all reported cases and incidences of violence and fatalities and hold perpetrators accountable to deter future occurrences.
In encapsulation state governors and public officials were admonished to play by the book and ensure the supremacy of the rule of law while urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant authorities to set an enforceable guideline that would prevent conflicting legal interpretations that jeopardize electoral integrity.
Stressing the need for political leaders and stakeholders to prioritize peace and dialogue over conflict, the statement added that violence should be totally condemned by every political party.
The Explainer reported that no fewer than six persons reportedly lost their lives days to the run-off election as the dispute over the status of former local government chairmen of Osun State turned bloody.
