Commission Cautions Political Parties Against Blackmail In Osun

Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has cautioned political parties against blackmailing the electoral body, urging them to approach the normal channel to seek redress when aggrieved by decisions or actions taken by the commission.

Reacting to an allegation of lack of public relations unit by one of the political parties in Osun, OSSIEC, through its public relations unit described the allegation as fallacious adding that the commission is media-friendly.

A release by Sadiat Isiaka on behalf of the commission stated that since the inauguration of the present leadership at OSSIEC, its activities have been most transparent and open in line with global best practices.

“At no time has the commission shut its doors against any individual not to talk of a political party or its accredited representative. All political parties are being carried along both directly and through their recognised body, that is the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC),” she said.

On the issue of nomination forms, the statement claimed that the commission’s chairman, Barrister Hashim Abioye magnanimously gave forms to some political parties, one of which was the All Progressives Congress (APC).

She added that the forms were given out on credit in order to save the political parties and their candidates from imminent closure of nomination period as contained in the timetable released, published and distributed to all political parties.

Isiaka noted that the verification committee set up by the commission was inaugurated in the presence of members of the media adding that the report of the committee at the conclusion of its assignment was in the public domain.

OSSIEC maintained that blackmail, however beautifully decorated, will never distract the commission from carrying on with its mandate and that would be done without fear or favour.