Ogun LG poll: APC, PDP, UNP flex muscle

The major political parties are flexing muscles over the proposed local government election in the state, Nigerian Tribune has learnt.

While the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) is boasting that it was not only ready for the poll, the party also believes it will achieve a landslide any time it held.

The  state secretary of the party, Sola Lawal, said the party it has been able to deliver on most of its pre-election promises, which could stand the APC in good stead at the poll.

He said the party has reason to be apprehensive as voters would rally round  APC candidates to win in the local government election.

“We are set for the election. We are coasting home to victory based on our sincerity of purpose, coupled with the performance of our Governor. We have nothing to fear because we have continued to meet the wishes and aspirations of our people. So, the opposition cannot march us. We are fully prepared,” he stated.

But, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the leadership of Mr. Bayo Dayo, faulted the election guidelines as announced by the State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC).

The party  ýsaid the election notice issued  by the OGSIEC to all parties was inappropriate, alleging that the electoral body failed to convene a meeting of all stakeholders where the date of election would be unanimously agreed upon.

Speaking through the party’s publicity secretary, Mr Bolaji Adeniji, the PDP  contended that the election date coupled with the time-table  did not give parties enough time to run the process of electing their candidates and preparing for the main election.

“We reject the timetable in its entirety and request OGSIEC to review it and come up with a more acceptable guideline that showcases the commission as being fair to all. Nevertheless, our party will commence our internal process to meet with the electoral guideline as released for now,” the PDP stated.

On its part, the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN)  urged OGSIEC to provide a level-playing field to all the  parties in the 20 local council areas and 37 local council development areas.

The state chairman, Honourable Funmilayo Oginni, said any attempt to manipulate the election would be resisted, restating that his party was sure of victory with the quality of candidates it would field for various positions.

OGSIEC had announced October 8, 2016 for the election with assurance to all stakeholders that it would adhere strictly to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution as regards the exercise.

“We are battle ready as a party, if the government is serious about the new date and allows a high level field playing ground.  But we will resist any attempt by the state government or any of its agencies to manipulate the election. UPN has come to stay and we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that we record victory at this forthcoming local government election.

“But, OGSIEC should not allow itself to be used as machinery to favour any political party. We want all election results to be counted at polling centre not in any government reserved area such as Local government Secretariat occupied by APC workers.

“If the state government can avoid these irregularities, I can tell you emphatically that, UPN candidates would pull surprises at the poll come October.  The security agents should also rise to the occasion and display high level of professionalism without being partial to any political party, because in UPN, we are civil and disciplined,” the party leader stated.