The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced its partnership with the Lagos State Parks Management Committee, led by MC Oluomo (Musiliu Akinsanya), in the distribution of election materials ahead of the 2023 general elections.
This announcement was made by Olusegun Agbaje, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos State, during the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting held at the INEC office on Tuesday.
According to Agbaje, the commission had no other option but to engage the park management system for the distribution of election materials.
The ban on the operations of the Nation Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Lagos State, as directed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, left INEC with limited options for transportation.
The National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), which was one of the options available, was not able to meet up with the commission’s transportation requirements.
Responding to concerns around the partnership with MC Oluomo, a loyalist of APC presidential candidate Bola Tinubu, Agbaje stated that INEC was not dealing with the individual, but with the park management system.
The INEC official explained that INEC was working with vehicle owners who have been registered with the park management system and not any banned group, in accordance with the law.
Agbaje also emphasized that the credibility of the polls would not be compromised as the movement of electoral personnel and materials would be monitored by security agencies, party agents, and observers.
He further stated that the election could not be compromised in any way, as the commission was working within the limitations set by the law in Lagos State.
Over 5,000 vehicles, including trucks and buses, are required for the election, and the only available option is through the park management system, as it is against the law to bring vehicles from other states.
The INEC boss assured the public that no politically branded vehicle would be used for the election, and that the commission would ensure that there is no room for electoral malpractice.
The opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) supporters, expressed concerns over the partnership with MC Oluomo.
They warned INEC not to use the committee led by the former NURTW chairman and APC stalwart to distribute election materials, as it could compromise the integrity of the election.
Atiku’s media aide, Phrank Shaibu, maintained that MC Oluomo remained a member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and had held solidarity rallies for the party and its presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.
Olusegun Agbaje Vs Electorate
The recent statement by Olusegun Agbaje, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos State, has sparked controversy and anger among the supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate. In his statement, Mr. Agbaje stated that the Igbo people “migrated” from the South East to Lagos to register for voter cards. This statement has been widely criticized and seen as an insult to the Igbo community.
The supporters of Peter Obi, famously known as the “Obidients”, have taken to social media to demand that Mr. Agbaje step down from his position as the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos State. They believe that his statement is evidence of bias and prejudice against the Igbo people, and that it calls into question his ability to fairly oversee the electoral process in Lagos State.
The Obidients have launched a social media campaign, using the hashtag #JusticeForIgbo, to raise awareness about the issue and to call for Mr. Agbaje’s resignation. They argue that it is unacceptable for someone in a position of power, responsible for overseeing a crucial aspect of the democratic process, to make such a divisive and inflammatory statement.
However, the controversy continues to escalate, with many calling for Mr. Agbaje to step down and for the INEC to take action to restore trust in the electoral process. The situation highlights the need for leaders and those responsible for overseeing elections to be mindful of their words and actions, as they have the power to shape public opinion and to impact the credibility of the democratic process.
In a time of increased political polarization and division, it is essential that the INEC and other key players in the electoral process act with impartiality, fairness, and transparency. The recent controversy surrounding Mr. Agbaje’s comments has raised serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process in Lagos State, and it is crucial that the INEC takes swift action to restore confidence and trust in the democratic process.
(NAN)
