KWSIEC gears up for credible LG polls in Kwara

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

Barring any last-minute changes, the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC) is set to conduct a credible local government election on Saturday, September 21.

The polls will be held across the 16 local government areas of the state, marking a significant electoral event nearly six years into the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

During his first four-year term, Governor AbdulRazaq administered the local governments through a Transition Implementation Committee (TIC).

However, the TIC was dissolved shortly after KWSIEC announced the local government election date, setting the stage for a full electoral process.

The electoral body, under the chairmanship of Baba Okanla, announced the election schedule three months ago and has since implemented a series of measures to ensure a smooth and credible process. This was followed by the release of an election timetable, which has been meticulously adhered to by all stakeholders.

Five political parties will be participating in the election: the All Progressives Congress (APC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Allied People’s Movement (APM), and Accord Party. Each party has conducted its primaries under the supervision of KWSIEC, adopting different methods to select their candidates.

To ensure security during the polls, KWSIEC has held a series of meetings with security agencies in the state. During these meetings, security operatives reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful and orderly election.

Stakeholders were also invited to a meeting focused on ensuring credible polls, where concerns were raised, and the commission assured that necessary measures would be taken to address them.

In preparation for the election, KWSIEC has organized a range of training sessions, including one last week for facilitators. Training for ad-hoc staff is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for the task ahead.

It has been reported that sensitive election materials will be distributed on the day of the polls.

As the election draws closer, all eyes are on KWSIEC to deliver a free, fair, peaceful, and credible election, which will further strengthen democracy at the grassroots level in Kwara State.