The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has called on the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) to promptly issue guidelines for the upcoming local government elections. This request comes after KWASIEC had previously released a timetable for the elections, set to take place on September 21, 2024.
Addressing reporters in Ilorin, the state chairman of the PDP, Hon. Babatunde Mohammed, expressed concerns about the level of preparedness demonstrated by the electoral body. He emphasized the need for KWASIEC to demonstrate its readiness for the elections by providing the necessary guidelines to political parties.
“The actions and demeanor of KWASIEC have left the PDP in Kwara unconvinced of the commission’s true readiness for the local government elections, despite the issuance of timetables,” said Hon. Babatunde Mohammed. “As of today, apart from the timetable, the commission has not released any guidelines for these elections.”
The PDP has formally written to KWASIEC on June 28, 2024, requesting the electoral guidelines, which are essential for navigating the local government election processes.
In addition to the written request, the party has made several oral appeals for the guidelines. However, no political party in Kwara State, including the PDP, has received any election guidelines from KWASIEC.
Nevertheless, the PDP state chairman clarified that the opposition party has no plans to boycott the local government elections. Instead, they urge KWASIEC to ensure a level playing field for all 16 registered political parties participating in the polls.
“PDP is fully prepared for the LG polls. We will not boycott the election. Our only plea to KWASIEC is to conduct free, fair, and credible elections while ensuring equal opportunities for all political parties,” stated the PDP state chairman.
KWASIEC chairman, Alhaji Baba Okanla, responded to the concerns, assuring that the commission is in the process of providing the guidelines to political parties.
He explained that the guidelines will be issued when parties apply for nomination forms, allowing them to adhere to electoral rules and regulations.
“We are actively planning to provide the PDP and other parties with the guidelines once they apply for the nomination forms.
This will guide them in following the necessary electoral rules and regulations,” affirmed Alhaji Baba Okanla. “The extension of the guidelines’ issuance was prompted by parties’ requests for an extended period to conduct their primaries.”
