Youth Party’s candidate for Eti-Osa Local Government Chairmanship, 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 on Thursday, Adio alleged that LASIEC’s actions are 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.
Furthermore, Adio 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, the cancellation of the validation exercise, and the reconstitution of the board with non-partisan individuals of impeccable character and proven integrity.
He insisted that the people of Lagos 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 embody. Wale Ojora, a commissioner, has a documented history of contesting for the Chairmanship of Lagos Island Local Government 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 local government 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 his 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? This is a clear case of the fox guarding the henhouse.
“The deliberate delay in issuing a comprehensive polling guide for these elections is another tactic to keep opposition parties in the dark and at a disadvantage. A transparent electoral process requires that all participants are fully aware of the rules of engagement well in advance. LASIEC’s failure to provide this crucial document is further evidence of its commitment to an opaque and manipulated process.”
