The chairman of Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, (ODIEC), Dr. Igbekele Aremo has announced a shift in the date of local government elections earlier scheduled to hold on Saturday, 17th February, 2024 to Saturday 13th July, 2024.
Dr. Igbekele stated this today while meeting with stakeholders and party leaders at the commissions head office in Akure, the Ondo State capital
According to him, the shift in election date was primarily due to non compliance of political parties in meeting up with the election timetable.
Going through the rescheduled timetable, Dr. Igbekele noted that the last day for submission of forms for particulars of candidates by political parties is now Tuesday 4th , June while political parties can commence campaign by 5th June, 2024.
“Collection and submission of nomination forms is to start by same 5th June to 7th June, 2024 just as verification of candidates will start from 11th June to 13th June, 2024.”
“Publication of list of validated candidates is scheduled for 17th June, while the last day for campaign by political parties will be midnight of 11th July, 2024. Election for Chairmanship and councilorship across Ondo State is now rescheduled and fix for Saturday 13th July, 2024”.
While assuring all stakeholders that the commission which is guided by enabling laws and guidelines is poised to conduct the election and ensure the votes of the people counts, Dr. Igbekele urged parties most especially to conduct themselves in manners as stipulated within the law.
He said ODIEC’s job is to provide a template that ensures free and fair election and that as an umpire, it cannot conduct election without the full participation of political parties.
He also charged political parties to take seriously their role of voter education stressing also that the commission will conduct training for them in the course of the year.
In attendance at the meeting were stakeholders including representatives of security agencies as well as leaders of political parties.
Responding, the state Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC)Chairman, Mr. Olaoluwa Adesanya on behalf of all the political parties apologized for not living up to expectation. He also assured that all registered and willing political parties interested in the election will begin to do the needful.
Other ODIEC commissioners in attendance include Barr. Dele Akinyelure, Mrs Omotosho, Hon..Tunde Adeleye
Earlier in his welcome address, ODIEC Administrative Secretary, Mr Igbekele Fatuase said the meeting which is the first in the year is to help stakeholders brainstorm on the way forward in the conduct of free and fair local government election in the state.
Also speaking, Hon. Tunde Adeleye admonished all political parties to abide by the new timetable and to also see selves as partners in progress with ODIEC
