By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Publisher/CEO of MOSCHINOBLOG, Olusola Adedayo, has reiterated the urgent need for the Federal government to implement Justice Uwais’s report on electoral reforms, emphasizing the necessity for fair and transparent electoral processes.
Adedayo made this assertion in response to a recent story published by Kosofe Post titled “Opposition Parties Grapple with LASIEC Bias Ahead of 2025 Local Government Polls.” Expressing concern over the perceived bias in electoral commissions, he underscored the imperative of impartiality in the conduct of local government elections.
“The sooner we prioritize the enforcement of laws governing the conduct of local government polls, the better for our democracy,” Adedayo remarked. He criticized the practice of governors appointing state electoral commissioners for elections intended to serve all citizens and political parties, labeling it as a distortion of democracy.
Furthermore, Adedayo advocated for reforms within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stressing the importance of depoliticizing the appointment process for key positions within the electoral body. He proposed the establishment of an independent institution responsible for appointing INEC Chairman, State Resident Electoral Commissioners, and Local Government Electoral Officers, separate from executive influence.
Supporting Adedayo’s stance, public affairs analyst Omoba Awofeso Rasheed emphasized the vital role of the rule of law in sustaining democracy, advocating for INEC to assume responsibility for all elections to restore public trust and confidence in the electoral process.
Adding to the discourse, Hon. Afolabi Kazeem highlighted the constitutional hurdles that impede INEC’s involvement in local government elections, citing the requirement for constitutional amendments by National and State Assemblies.
Echoing sentiments shared nationwide, Pst. Francis Adebayo reiterated the pervasive nature of the issue, emphasizing that the prevalence of ruling party victories in local government elections necessitates empowering INEC to conduct such polls.
In agreement, Rotimi Ademola and Amb Moyosore Anuoluwapo Badejo advocated for INEC’s intervention to ensure fairness and integrity in the electoral process, suggesting that opposition parties should abstain from participating in local government elections if conducted without INEC oversight.