By Omowumi Omotosho
The Kwara state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has voiced its displeasure with the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) over the extension of the election timetable.
The PDP’s State Secretary, Abdullah AbdulRahman, articulated these concerns during a one-day pre-election stakeholders forum held by KWASIEC at Fresh Hotel, Ilorin.
Abdullahi pointed out that KWASIEC’s decision to extend the timetable twice had “distorted the earlier procedures by the commission.”
He stressed the importance of KWASIEC informing both the registered political parties and the general public of the new timetable, stating, “The public did not expect such actions from the commission.”
He also asserted that the PDP is “far ahead of the ruling party, APC, as far as the 2024 local government election is concerned.”
The PDP State Secretary also questioned the legitimacy of KWASIEC’s authority to extend the timetable, expressing his dissatisfaction with the commission’s conduct so far by stating, “There is nothing worth commending yet in the activities of KWASIEC.”
Furthermore, Abdullah urged KWASIEC to ensure that its ad-hoc staff, including Electoral Officers (EOs) and Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs), remain neutral throughout the election period. He warned the commission against permitting the ruling party to influence the recruitment of these staff members, emphasizing the necessity for “a free and fair election, unhindered by partisan interference.”
