Ahead of the local government election, the African Action Congress (AAC), Oyo state chapter, has warned Governor Seyi Makinde against electoral violence.
The party called on well-meaning Nigerians and civil society organizations to stand up and ensure that the conduct of the local government election is peacefully and without prejudice.
The party made this known, on Thursday, in a statement its chairman, Kayode Babayomi made available to newsmen.
AAC also urged the chairman of Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) to refrain from engaging in partisan politics.
It read: “The African Action Congress (AAC), Oyo state chapter, is deeply concerned about recent developments regarding the upcoming local government elections in Oyo State.
“It has come to our notice that there are plans by the state government to employ individuals associated with the Park Management System (PMS) to disrupt the electoral process. We categorically denounce such actions as they undermine the very foundations of democracy.
“We urge Governor Makinde and his administration to desist from such acts of election malpractice. The use of thugs to manipulate the electoral process is unacceptable and goes against the principles of free and fair elections.
“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians and civil society organizations to join us in ensuring that the upcoming local government elections are conducted peacefully and without prejudice.
“Furthermore, we caution the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) against any attempts to delay the distribution of election materials to polling units. We are aware of past strategies aimed at manipulating the electoral process, and we will not tolerate any actions that undermine the integrity of the election.
“We urge the Chairman of OYSIEC, Aare Isiaka Olagunju (SAN), to refrain from engaging in partisan politics. The neutrality and fairness of the electoral commission are paramount to the credibility of the election process.
“A free and fair election ensures that candidates are presented a level playing ground regardless of party differences, this Saturday should not be an exception.
“The forthcoming local government election will determine the future of local governance in Oyo State. We call on the people of Oyo to reject any attempts to undermine the autonomy of local governments.
“For too long, local government projects have been neglected, and it is time for a change. The African Action Congress is committed to prioritizing the interests of the people and ensuring a better future for all residents of Oyo State.”
