Connect with us

Politics

After APGA’s letter, OYSIEC makes U-turn, cancels payment of nomination fees

Published

on

Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has cancelled the payment of nomination fees  of  N50,000 for Councillorship candidates and N250,000 for Chairmanship candidates.

OYSIEC explained that its attention was  drawn to  order of Oyo State High Court in Suit No.I/177/2004: NATIONAL CONSCIENCE PARTY V. OYO STATE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION AND ANOR.  delivered on 18th March 2004 to the effect that sections 10 (b) (e) and (f) of the State Independent Electoral Commission Law of Oyo State contravene sections 7 (4), 106 and 107  of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended) .

The commission, had earlier insisted in its guidelines for Chairmanship and Councillorship Elections in the 33 Local Government Councils of Oyo State and expressly stated that Chairmanship and Councillorship candidates of political parties are expected to pay a sum of N250,000 and N100,000 respectively before picking the nomination forms and before they can participate in the election.

But , the Oyo State chapter of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) had in a letter, dated 14th May,2021 asked the Commission to scrap the nomination form fees for the offices of Chairmen and Councillors demanded from political parties before they can participate in the upcoming local government election.

APGA, in a letter written by its solicitors, Olamiji Martins of Marvic Alpha LP Nigeria , to the OYSIEC Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju SAN and the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, added that it is not only outrightly illegal for the Commission to demand money from the party and indeed other political parties, but it was also condemned by an existing judgement, which warned against this common habits of state governments and indeed OYSIEC in making election a money making venture.

The lbadan based lawyer Martins referenced that APGA’s demand on nomination fee was in line with a court decision which  the late Gani Fawehinmi  and Femi Falana were part of.

According to the letter exclusively obtained by Mega Icon Magazine, the solicitors submitted, “Our client informed us that there was another time when you visited its office and the issue of payment for nomination form was discussed. The National Vice Chairman (South West) of our client, Deacon Samson Segun Olalere informed you that there is an existing court judgment procured by late Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN against your Commission in suit number I/117/2004 between National Conscience Party on one side and the Attorney General of Oyo State and your Commission on the other side. In the above case, the Court per My Lord the Hon. Justice M. O. Bolaji-Yusuf held by declaring that your Commission is incompetent to prescribe conditions for the nomination, eligibility, qualification and disqualification of candidates to contest Local Government Elections in Oyo State outside the conditions stipulated by Sections 7(4), 106 and 107 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our client informed us that after showing a copy of the judgment to you, you promised to look into it and revert accordingly. Till date, nothing was done and no scrapping of nomination form fee was effected by your Commission. Our client is desirous of participating and fielding candidates to contest Chairmanship and Councillorship elections across the 33 Local Government Areas of Oyo State but only being handicapped by the nomination form fees imposed by your Commission.

“This matter is already before the court and as such, all parties ought to maintain status quo until the determination of the matter”.

Hours after it had received APGA’s letter, OYSIEC, in a statement by its Electoral Commissioner in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Prince Afeez Adeniyi said, “the Commission wishes  to seize this opportunity to further  inform the general public and specially  political parties  that our attention had just been drawn to the order of Oyo State High Court in Suit No.I/177/2004: NATIONAL CONSCIENCE PARTY V. OYO STATE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION AND ANOR.  delivered on 18th March 2004 to the effect that sections 10 (b) (e) and (f) of the State Independent Electoral Commission Law of Oyo State contravene sections 7 (4), 106 and 107  of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended) .

”In the circumstance, the commission hereby cancels payment of nomination fees   of #50,000 for Councillorship candidates and #250,000 for Chairmanship candidates (as stated on Time Table and Guidelines for the Election)  since the Constitution of Federal Republic takes precedence over any law or bylaws”.

The commission, has therefore resolved to  refund those candidates that have paid  before this pronouncement, adding that it remains resolute in its determination to conduct a free, fair, credible and transparent Local Government Election.

OYSIEC, however reminded  the residents that elections to elect Councillors and Chairmen in the “33 constitutionally recognised local government” in the state will hold on 22nd May, 2021 from 8am to 3pm.

“There shall  be restrictions on human and vehicular movement through the time of election”, the statement said.

Comments

Politics

Oyo : Oseni seeks reconciliation, urges aggrieved APC members to close ranks

Published

on

‎The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has called on aggrieved members of the party in Oyo State to put the outcome of the primary behind them and embrace reconciliation in the interest of the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

‎The appeal came on Wednesday at an enlarged meeting of APC leaders and stakeholders in Ibadan North East Local Government Area, where Oseni urged members to close ranks and work together to reposition the party for victory at the polls.

‎In a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency said the time had come for party faithful to move beyond the disagreements that followed the primary election.

‎He said: “The primary election has come and gone. As loyal party members, our responsibility now is to unite behind the decisions of our great party and work together for its success. There is no victory without unity.”

‎The chairman House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) noted that while it was natural for party members to hold different opinions during the contest, the APC’s overriding interest must remain paramount, urging those with reservations to seek redress through dialogue rather than division.

‎According to him, “I appeal to every leader, stakeholder, member and supporter of our party to sheathe the sword, forgive one another and embrace genuine reconciliation. Our shared commitment to the APC is greater than any individual ambition.”

‎The APC senatorial candidate said the challenges confronting the party could only be overcome through collective resolve, mutual respect and sustained engagement among members across the state.

‎”The people of Oyo State expect a strong and united APC that is ready to provide purposeful leadership. We cannot afford to remain divided when there is so much work to be done. This is the time to rebuild trust, strengthen our structures and move forward together,” he said.

Oseni expressed confidence that with reconciliation, discipline and the support of party leaders and members, the APC would emerge stronger from the primary process and be well positioned to secure victory in Oyo State in the 2027 general election.

Continue Reading

Politics

Arapaja endorses Oseni’s Oyo South Senate bid, seeks APC victory in 2027

Published

on

A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, has endorsed the senatorial ambition of the All Progressives Congress candidate for Oyo South, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement came during a courtesy visit by the member representing Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency to Arapaja’s residence in Ibadan, where both politicians held discussions on the future of the APC and preparations for the 2027 polls.

A statement issued on Wednesday by Oseni’s Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, said the meeting focused on strengthening the party and mobilising support to ensure the APC records victory at all levels in the forthcoming elections.

According to the statement, Arapaja expressed confidence in the lawmaker’s capacity to represent the people of Oyo South in the Senate, describing his performance in the House of Representatives as evidence of purposeful and people-centred leadership.

He was quoted as saying, “Hon. Remi Oseni has demonstrated uncommon commitment to the welfare of his constituents through people-oriented projects and impactful representation. His performance in the House of Representatives gives me every confidence that he will deliver even greater results in the Senate.”

The former deputy governor also pledged his support for Oseni’s senatorial bid and promised to work towards the success of all APC candidates in the 2027 elections, from the presidential candidate to those contesting seats in the National Assembly and the Oyo State House of Assembly.
Arapaja further appealed to Nigerians, particularly people of the South-West, to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, saying continuity would enable the President to complete his constitutionally permitted two-term tenure.

“The South-West must remain united behind President Tinubu to enable him complete his constitutionally guaranteed eight-year tenure. We must also work collectively to ensure victory for our party at every level,” he said.

He also described Oseni as a humble, loyal and dependable politician whose consistent service had earned him the confidence of the people across Oyo South.

Also speaking, Mogaji Abass Oloko reaffirmed his support for Oseni’s senatorial aspiration and praised Arapaja’s enduring influence in Oyo politics, saying his relevance remained unquestionable because of his grassroots connection and longstanding relationship with the people.

Responding, Oseni thanked Arapaja for the warm reception, valuable counsel and endorsement, describing him as “a trusted ally, dependable leader and reliable teammate” whose support had further strengthened his resolve ahead of the 2027 elections.

The lawmaker recalled that their political relationship dated back to the period they both worked with former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and later collaborated in the political coalition that reshaped Oyo State’s political landscape in 2018.

Oseni reiterated that leadership should be anchored on integrity, trust and honour, adding that he remained committed to providing quality representation and expanding developmental initiatives across Oyo South if elected to the Senate in 2027.

Continue Reading

Politics

Oseni hails Aderibigbe’s appointment as APC guber campaign DG

Published

on

The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated Barr. Yemi Aderibigbe on his appointment as the Director-General of the Campaign Council of the party’s governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli.

Oseni described the appointment as well deserved, saying it was a recognition of Aderibigbe’s years of loyalty, dedication and invaluable contributions to the growth of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.

The lawmaker, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele.

The APC chieftain said Aderibigbe had consistently distinguished himself as a committed party stalwart, grassroots mobiliser and dependable administrator whose efforts had strengthened the APC across the state.

According to Oseni, the appointment was a testament to Aderibigbe’s competence, hard work and unwavering commitment to the ideals of the party.

“I heartily congratulate Barrister Yemi Aderibigbe on this well-deserved appointment as the Director-General of Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s Campaign Council. This is a call to greater service, and I have every confidence that you will justify the trust reposed in you,” Oseni said.

He added, “Your experience, leadership qualities and organisational skills will undoubtedly strengthen our campaign and further unite party members as we work towards securing victory for our great party in the governorship election.”

The federal lawmaker urged party leaders, members and supporters across Oyo State to rally behind the new campaign leadership and work together to ensure the APC records a resounding victory at the polls.

He also reaffirmed his unwavering support for Senator Alli’s governorship ambition, expressing optimism that the party would remain united and focused in its quest to win the election.

Before his latest appointment, Aderibigbe served as the Director-General of the Remi Oseni Committee of Friends (ROCOF), a political support group that coordinated grassroots mobilisation and political engagements for Engr. Aderemi Oseni across Oyo State.

Continue Reading

Advertisement

Entertainment

Advertisement

MegaIcon Magazine Facebook Page

Advertisement

MEGAICON TV

Advertisement

Trending