Former LG official warns against rigging of Offa council polls

A former Director of Personnel Management (DPM) for Offa Local Government Authority, Alhaji Muritala Adewale, has cautioned politicians across all parties against the temptation to rig the upcoming local government council elections in Offa LGA, Kwara State.

In a recent interview with journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, Adewale warned that any form of electoral malpractice would face strong resistance from the people of Offa.

He emphasized that Offa has a long-standing reputation for independence and industriousness.

The community has historically relied on its own resources rather than on government support, making its residents particularly protective of their rights and votes.

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“Offa has always been an independent entity. We have never looked to the government for anything. We’re an industrious and enterprising people,” Adewale said.

He highlighted that Offa’s residents have a proven track record of defending their electoral mandates and are expected to continue this tradition in the forthcoming elections.

Adewale specifically cautioned political stakeholders from both the ruling and opposition parties against any attempts to manipulate the election results, warning that such actions would meet with significant opposition.

“Any attempt to rig the elections by anyone, whether in government or the opposition, no matter how highly placed, will be met with stiff resistance,” he warned.

Adewale also called on the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) to ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.

He urged the commission to operate without external interference, underlining the importance of fairness in maintaining the peace and stability of the state.

“The council election in Offa will be unlike any other in the state’s history. Offa will free itself from underdevelopment and the disregard for traditional institutions in high places,” Adewale asserted.

This election will be the first local government council polls organized in the state since the start of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak’s six-year administration.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE