The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has assured stakeholders of its readiness to conduct credible councillorship by-elections in the state.

The commission gave the assurance during a meeting with key stakeholders on Thursday in Lagos.

The by-elections became necessary following the death of two newly elected councillors.

The deceased councillors were those of Ward C and Ward H in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government and Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), respectively.

They died days after the July 12 local government elections.

Speaking at the forum, LASIEC Chairman, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (retd), said that the commission would not take the by-elections for granted.

Commending stakeholders for consistent support and collaboration, Ms Okikiolu-Ighile, represented by a LASIEC Electoral Commissioner, Samson Ajibade, said the commission was committed to its mandate of conducting free, fair and credible elections.

She said that the commission received with profound shock and sadness the news of the passing of the two recently sworn-in councillors– Oluwakemi Sabiu of Ibeju-Lekki LG and Zaynab Shotayo of Odi-Olowo-Ojuwoye LCDA.

Ms Okikiolu-Ighile said, “The demise of these two elected councillors has created vacancies that must, in line with the LASIEC Laws and democratic principles, be duly filled. Democracy thrives on representation, and the people of the affected wards deserve the opportunity to once again elect their representatives. LASIEC, in the discharge of its constitutional mandate, has set in motion the processes that will culminate in credible, free and fair by-elections. We are committed to ensuring that the will of the people in the affected wards is reflected through a transparent process that guarantees inclusiveness, accountability and legitimacy.”

According to her, engagement of stakeholders is a critical part of the electoral process.

She said that political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, media, traditional rulers, religious leaders and the electorate all played indispensable roles in building trust and confidence in elections.

She noted, “It is only through your cooperation, vigilance, and commitment to due process that the by-elections can be successful. As a commission, we shall continue to sustain a strong collaboration with all the key stakeholders and other interest groups to create a level playing field and equal access for all the players in the political landscape. We shall uphold the confidence of the people to ensure that the commission delivers on its statutory mandate with openness and transparency.’’

The chairman said that the by-elections presented another opportunity for LASIEC to strengthen democracy at the grassroots.

“It is a test of our collective resolve to ensure that democracy is not only sustained but also deepened in Lagos State. The commission shall provide a level playing field for all political parties and contestants and shall ensure the highest standard of transparency and credibility of the entire process.

“We shall work hand in hand with the security agencies to guarantee peace before, during and after the elections,” Ms Okikiolu-Ighile said.

The LASIEC boss appealed to the electorate in affected wards to turn out en masse to vote once the notice of the election day is fixed.

She said that the commission would pick the election day after the tribunal had given its pronouncement on matters before it.

Speaking, the State Chairman of the Action Peoples Party (APP) and Secretary of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Lagos State, Abiola Adeyemi said that LASIEC needed to do more work to enhance the credibility of council elections.

Speaking at the forum, State Chairman of the Accord Party, Dele Oladeji, urged LASIEC to restore confidence in grassroots democracy through election credibility.

Mr Oladeji claimed that winners were declared in the July 12 local government elections without declared results.

He stated, “We didn’t go to the tribunal because we do not even have the results of the election to contest at the tribunal. However, we are in the court with LASIEC at the Lagos State High Court, but the court has not called that case for over a month now due to politics.
However, as a party, we are going to step up our work and make sure the case is heard in the courts.’’

Mr Oladeji said that Accord would not participate in the by-elections.

The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by leaders of political parties, traditional rulers, LASIEC commissioners, among others.

(NAN)