The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) on Thursday commenced screening of candidates contesting for chairmanship and councillorship positions in the local government council elections, slated for 22nd May, 2021 .
The exercise which took place at the premises of the commission was part of measures put in place by the commission to ensure smooth and credible election .
The Commission Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN , while speaking after assessing the exercise , said the Commission will remain impartial in its conduct by providing a level playing ground for all the political parties.
Aare Olagunju, appreciated the political parties and other relevant stakeholders for the trust imposed on the commission , urging them to reach out to their supporters and ensure they come out en- masse and vote for candidates of their choice during the poll.
Also speaking , the coordinator of the screening exercise, Chief Kunmi Agboola, said the exercise became imperative for the commission to determine the eligibility of candidates as regards to the positions they are contesting for .
According to him, “Thirteen political parties were attended to during the exercise , while the remaining parties are scheduled for Friday this week and next week Monday and Tuesday “
In their separate remarks, the Chairmanship Candidates , Zenith Labour Party, Ido Local Government, Hon. Opeyemi Semiu and Adegboye Isaac of Social Democratic Party, Ibadan North East respectively, commended members of the commission for building public confidence for inclusive participation .
Hon. Opeyemi said further that the turn out of political parties is an indication that the political parties now have trust and confidence in the current leadership of OYSIEC in conducting a credible election.
Also speaking, the State Publicity Secretary, African Democratic Congress, ADC , Barrister Bimpe Adelowo , admonished members of various political parties to embrace good conduct before , during and after the election .
The exercise was witnessed by the newly deployed Director, National Orientation Agency , ( NOA) , Oyo State , Mrs. Folake Ayoola, FCAI, whose organization has been sensitizing the populace on the need to participate in the election on behalf of the commission , political leaders amongst others.
