The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC)on Thursday commenced screening of candidates contesting for chairmanship and concillorship positions in the local government council elections, slated for 22nd May, 2021 .
The exercise which took place at the premises of the commission was part of measures put in place by the commission to ensure smooth and credible election .
The Commission Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju , SAN , while speaking after assessing the exercise , said the Commission will remain impartial in its conduct by providing a level playing ground for all the political parties .
Aare Olagunju, appreciated the political parties and other relevant stakeholders for the trust imposed on the commission , urging them to reach out to their supporters and ensure they come out en- masse and vote for candidates of their choice during the poll.
Also speaking , the coordinator of the screening exercise , Chief Kunmi Agboola, said the exercise became imperative for the commission to determine the eligibility of candidates as regards to the positions they are contesting for .
According to him ” Thirteen political parties were attended to during the exercise , while the remaining parties are scheduled for Friday this week and next week Monday and Tuesday ”
In their separate remarks, the Chairmanship Candidates , Zenith Labour Party , Ido Local Government, Hon. Opeyemi Semiu and Adegboye Isaac of Social Democratic Party, Ibadan North East respectively, commended members of the commission for building public confidence for inclusive participation .
Hon. Opeyemi said further that the turn out of political parties is an indication that the political parties now have trust and confidence in the current leadership of OYSIEC in conducting a credible election.
Also speaking, the State Publicity Secretary, African Democratic Congress, ADC , Barrister Bimpe Adelowo , admonished members of various political parties to embrace good conduct before , during and after the election .
The exercise was witnessed by the newly deployed Director, National Orientation Agency , ( NOA) , Oyo State , Mrs. Folake Ayoola, FCAI, whose organization has been sensitizing the populace on the need to participate in the election on behalf of the commission , political leaders amongst others.
