Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has defended its controversial imposition of administrative charges for the upcoming 2024 Local Government Elections, saying payment of such charges are directed at political parties, not individual candidates.
Chairman of the State electoral agency,Mr. Babatunde Osibodu making the clarification during a radio interview in Abeokuta, says the charges apply to parties fielding candidates for Chairmanship or Councillorship positions in the election
He explained that the fee aims to boost participation and commitment among political parties.
"Each party must pay the administrative fee. People tend to value what they invest in. By paying for their candidates’ forms, parties will demonstrate greater commitment, encouraging more than just a few of the 19 registered parties to show interest," Osibodu said.
Osibodu emphasised that the commission is legally empowered to impose the fee, having sought legal counsel and received approval from the State House of Assembly.
Addressing concerns raised by Hon. Itunu Abioro who is the Public Relations Officer of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ogun State, Osibodu noted that OGSIEC has the legal authority to establish its own electoral guidelines.
He stressed the importance of party participation, stating, "If political parties choose not to participate, they cannot later complain if a single party dominates the election. Non-participation is tantamount to conceding defeat."
Osibodu reaffirmed OGSIEC’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election. He also highlighted the release of the election timetable and guidelines as the first step in the electoral process, assuring that further engagements with political parties and stakeholders will follow. "Everything we do is for the progress of the state," he concluded.
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