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The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has concluded the delineation of ward boundaries ahead of the local government elections slated for May 12 in the state.
The commission had extended the date for parties to submit their list of candidates to March 23, 2018, after some political parties and other stakeholders complained about the non-clarity of ward delineation due to the creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDA).
On Monday at a training programme for staff of the electoral commission in the state, OYSIEC Chairman, Mr Jide Ajeigbe, reiterated that the May 12 date for election in the 33 local governments and 35 LCDAs remains unchanged.
He said the commission was addressing complaints from parties and other stakeholders as regards the delineation.
He said: “Delineation is a continuous exercise. We are addressing that and on course. We are already at the last stage. The delineation is completed; we are only addressing complaints from the stakeholders. My duty is to organize elections for the political parties and we are doing all we can to ensure that we have credible local government election on May 12.”
Speaking further, Ajeigbe explained that the training organized by the International Federation on Electoral System (IFES), was to ensure that the OYSIEC commissioners and staff embrace modern trends in organizing a free, fair and credible election.
Accordi g to him, the training was another attestation that the electoral body will not compromise on conducting a credible election.
In his presentation, IFEC facilitator, Mr Obaje Ukeh, said the training was aimed to building the capacity of OYSIEC staff, in the areas skills, knowledge and attitude required to effectively perform their duties.
He emphasized the importance of elections towards improving democracy, noting that all well-meaning Nigerians must be committed to ensuring that the nation has free and fair elections.