We are ready for LG polls but … —OGSIEC •Criticises parties for lack of internal democracy

The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), on Tuesday, said that all was for the election into the 20 Local Government and the 37 Local Council Development Areas slated for October 8.

The Commissioner 111 of the electoral body, Mr  Mutiu Agboke, in an interview with Nigerian Tribune in Abeokuta, said that the materials and other logistics for the election had been adequately provided for.

He noted that the commission was collaborating with security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that the poll was hitch-free.

Agboke explained that the major challenge that confronted the body was lack of internal democracy among political parties in the state, noting that it had made it impossible for the political parties to understand what party system is down about.

He said: “Let me say that the major challenge that the Commission is facing, is the various problems of the political parties. When you look at the political parties, some of the issues they are throwing at the door step of the commission are the issues that could have been addressed and resolved by the parties.

“Some of the issues emanated as a result of lack of internal democracy among the parties thereby making them not to understand what is the purpose of the party system. They believe that party system is all about election and electioneering campaign, whereas party system is meant to understand the government policies. The commission needs to resolve their crisis for them, one way or the other.

“For example, the Peoples Democratic Party factionsalisation had to be resolved first before the commission could have a direction on which of the faction to recognise.

“The issue of funding could not be followed to the letter because there are so many realities that the government of the day is facing.  I know that we could have done more, maybe, if the economy has been better than what we have today.

“Notwithstanding the election is going to come up.  The date is sacrosanct. The materials are ready. Our ad-hoc staff members are being trained and they are also ready.  We have a kind of enabling environment that will allow us to conduct the local government election and the newly created local council development areas.  We are set for the election. “