• Raises doubts over umpire’s ability to conduct fair election
• Hamzat, Ojelabi advocate unity among ethnic groups, rally support for APC
• Implore residents to invest in development through votes

The Youth Party’s (YP) candidate for the Eti-Osa Local Council chairmanship seat, Ayodele Adio, has accused the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) of gross incompetence and deliberate political sabotage.

According to Adio, LASIEC’s validation process for candidates has been marred by irregularities, including demands for documents not specified in the initial invitation letter and forcing candidates to wait for extended periods without basic amenities.

In a statement, yesterday, Adio alleged that LASIEC’s actions were a calculated attempt to frustrate and disenfranchise opposition parties in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He cited specific concerns, including LASIEC’s sudden demand for photocopies of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) of 20 nominees from each candidate, which he claims, is a flagrant violation of the Electoral Act and an act of entrapment.

Adio further criticised LASIEC’s notice of election, issued 90 days before the scheduled date, as being in direct contravention of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates a minimum of 150 days’ notice.

He also questioned the impartiality of LASIEC’s leadership, given the partisan backgrounds of some of its commissioners. Adio, therefore, demanded the immediate resignation of LASIEC’s chairman and commissioners, cancellation of the validation exercise, and reconstitution of the board with non-partisan individuals of impeccable character and proven integrity.

He also insisted that Lagos State residents deserve a democratic process that is free, fair, and transparent, with an electoral body that acts as an impartial arbiter rather than a tool for the ruling party.

He said: “The leadership of LASIEC is deeply compromised by partisan interests, making a mockery of the independence it is supposed to display. Wale Ojora, a commissioner, has a documented history of contesting for the chairmanship position of Lagos Island Local Council on two occasions under the banner of the APC. Another commissioner, Rufus Oladele Adekanye, previously served in the Lagos State House of Assembly and as a council chairman, both under the APC.

“Their claim of resigning from the party to take up appointments as LAISEC commissioners is a flimsy veil that cannot hide their deep-rooted partisan leanings. How can we expect a free and fair contest when the umpires are card-carrying members and former aspirants of the ruling party?

“The deliberate delay in issuing a comprehensive polling guide for the election is another tactic to keep opposition parties in the dark and at a disadvantage. LASIEC’s failure to provide this crucial document is evidence of its commitment to an opaque and manipulated process.”

MEANWHILE, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, and the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Cornelius Ojelabi, have called on members of different ethnic groups in the state to unite and support the party’s candidates in the upcoming council elections.

They spoke, yesterday, at Lagos West 1 Senatorial District mega rally, held at Ifako-Ijaiye Mini Stadium, while campaigning for the party’s candidates.

Hamzat stressed the importance of unity within the party, noting that given the strides of the APC at both the federal and state levels, there is a need to consolidate the achievements by ensuring that the party’s candidates are elected.

Specifically, Ojelabi emphasised the importance of unity among the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and Nupe communities in the state. He called on the residents to use their votes as an investment in the state’s development.

He also encouraged residents to vote for APC candidates, promising that they would bring development to the grassroots, particularly in agriculture, education, and healthcare.