16 opposition Political Parties in Osun State have made a U-turn on their earlier decision to pull out of the Local Government Elections.
The political parties under the aegis of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) made the U-turn on Tuesday after a meeting with the Chairman of Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, Hashim Abioye and other commissioners of the commission.
InsightMedia recalls that the parties on Monday announced withdrawal from the elections, citing alleged bias.
Speaking at a joint press briefing, Deputy Chairman of IPAC, Bunmi Adetunji said the issues that led to the earlier press conference have been resolved.
He said, “We have seen sincerity in his promises and responses. He has addressed four issues raised by us and we believe he will henceforth recognize us as the major stakeholders. We have now resolved to participate in the election.”
Speaking at the briefing, Abioye attributed the issues to communication gap, stating that they have all been addressed amicably by both parties.
“I want to believe that it’s a family meeting. State Electoral Commission is a mother while the political parties are children. There bound to be disagreement and it can be resolved as family matter and that’s what we have done.
“We have nothing to hide in OSSIEC and we believe since we sat down together, they have seen such. Now that they have seen everything and I’m happy they have rescinded their earlier decisions.
“This period is very important considering the local government autonomy and all of us must work to make it work.”
Abioye also denied allegations of planning to use members of the People’s Democratic Party as Electoral Officers and Assistant Electoral Officers, stating that no list has been drawn till now.
