Emmanuel Oludare
The Action Democratic Party (ADP) Chairmanship candidate for Abeokuta South Local Government, and a popular broadcaster, Olalekan Alex Shoyinka, has called on residents to actively participate in the forthcoming Local Government elections slated for November 16, 2024.
In a statement, Shoyinka addressed concerns over potential electoral malpractices, urging citizens to rise above the fear of rigging and intimidation that often plagues local elections.
Shoyinka expressed gratitude for the support he has received since declaring his candidacy, stating that Abeokuta South is ready for a positive shift in leadership.
However, he acknowledged the widespread belief that local government elections are rigged in favour of the ruling party by the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC).
“Most people believe that OGSIEC favours the ruling party in LG elections. But I believe the blame is not solely on the Commission; we all have a role to play in ensuring fair elections,” Shoyinka stated.
The ADP candidate highlighted the strategies employed by ruling parties to manipulate election results, including the intimidation of opposition parties, the use of political thugs to disrupt voting in areas where they lack support, and the influence exerted over security agencies and electoral officials.
Shoyinka, however, stressed that opposition parties and the electorate must not surrender to these tactics.
He warned that accepting defeat before the election only emboldens ruling parties to undermine the democratic process.
“Ruling parties should not be confident about rigging elections if we, as patriotic citizens, do what we are supposed to do,” he added.
The chairmanship hopeful acknowledged that voter apathy is often linked to a lack of faith in security agencies to remain neutral during elections.
He called on security forces to rise to the occasion and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process, warning that the failure to do so has detrimental consequences for Nigeria’s democracy.
“Security agencies must uphold their duty to the nation. Their failure to act has set our democracy back and paved the way for incompetent leaders to emerge, jeopardising the future of our children,” he said.
Shoyinka also urged opposition parties to unite in confronting the ruling party’s tactics, warning that losing at the local government level diminishes their chances in general elections.
He called on the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to resist being compromised by financial incentives and to prioritise the strengthening of democracy.
In a direct appeal to the electorate, Shoyinka encouraged voters to reject voter apathy and refuse to be dissuaded by the belief that ruling parties will inevitably rig elections.
He emphasised the importance of casting votes to prevent unused ballots from being exploited for fraudulent purposes.
“Local Government elections are the closest elections to the people. Let us not give up or concede defeat before the fight. We must do our part to curb the evils of vote rigging,” Shoyinka stated.
He further urged voters to reject the ruling party’s anticipated vote-buying strategies, which he claimed are fueled by the poverty they have inflicted on the populace.
According to him, the ruling party’s candidate has failed to present a tangible record of achievement after over a decade in power.
“Let us reject their money and their empty promises. We have done it before, and with God on our side, we can do it again,” he said.
While expressing his hope that OGSIEC will conduct a credible election, Shoyinka called on the electoral body to prove its integrity in the face of widespread distrust.
He emphasised that this election offers the Commission’s leadership a chance to solidify their legacy.
“I believe OGSIEC will only count the votes cast. Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt and hope they seize this opportunity to conduct a free and fair election.
“Posterity will judge them if they fail to play their part in building the Nigeria we want,” Shoyinka concluded.
He urged residents to come out in support of his candidacy on election day, vowing to make a positive difference for the people of Abeokuta South Local Government if elected.
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