OGSIEC Amends Electoral Timetable, Retains July 24 For Elections….…….

OGSIEC Amends Electoral Timetable, Retains July 24 For Elections

Adetokunbo Fakeye 

In preparation for the forth coming Local Government elections, the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has amended the earlier released timetable, as party primaries has been increased from five to 22days, starting from Wednesday, May 5 to Thursday, May 27, 2021.

Political campaigns are now to end midnight on Thursday, July 22, 2021, as against the earlier slated time, while the election date remained Saturday, July 24, 2021.

According to the agency Information Officer, Adebimpe Olaitan, the Chairman, OGSIEC, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu made this announcement at the official flag-off ceremony of the political activities leading to the 2021 Local Government elections, at the June 12 Cultural Center, Abeokuta, urging the political class and aspirants to embrace stipulated guidelines.

Osibodu said the Commission would waive the payment of a non-refundable deposit by intending candidates for female aspirants, adding that it was a gesture to encourage more women to participate in the election.

“The Electoral Law 2007 provides for payment of a non-refundable deposit by intending candidates. For Chairmanship candidates, the fee has been set as N200,000, while for Councillorship candidates, it is N100,000. As a gender-sensitive institution, we wish to encourage women candidates. Accordingly, the Commission has resolved that this deposit will be waived for female candidates”, he stated.

The Chairman enjoined Political Parties to fully comply with the laid down rules governing the elections as guided by several enabling laws, paramount among which are Section 197, sub-section 1(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which authorises the establishment of the State Independent Electoral Commissions across the country.

“Also, the Section 14 of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2001, empowers it to organise, undertake and supervise all elections to Local Government councils in the State, in accordance with the provisions of the Law or any enactment, guidelines, rules or manuals issued or made by the Commission, likewise the Ogun State Electoral Law 2007 provides guidance on the processes and procedures to follow in the electoral process”, he said.

Mr. Osibodu requested the support of the media, imploring the youths to embrace dignity, self-esteem and eschew all forms of anti-democratic activities.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, OGSIEC, Mrs. Mojisola Dosunmu sought for maximum cooperation of all political parties and aspirants, while appreciating them for prompt response to the ceremony.