By Aaior K. Comfort
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has pledged to resist any attempts at intimidation from the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) ahead of next year’s local government elections.

The party’s stance comes in response to recent statements by OSSIEC Chairman Mr. Hashim Abioye, who warned that APC and candidates from two other parties might face disqualification in seven local governments due to alleged illegal substitution of candidates, a non-remediable infraction.

In a press conference held on Wednesday, Abioye gave the APC and other parties a 48-hour window to address some infractions that could still be corrected. However, Tajudeen Lawal, APC Chairman in Osun, criticized the commission for what he described as an attempt to disadvantage APC candidates.

Lawal claimed that the party encountered significant obstacles while trying to comply with the commission’s directives. He reported that the OSSIEC office was closed by 2:15 pm on September 19, 2024, leaving APC unable to submit the necessary documents within the stipulated timeframe.

“The APC made every effort to deliver the required documents, but the OSSIEC office was closed, making it impossible for us to meet the deadline,” Lawal said in a statement.

He also raised concerns about the independence of the OSSIEC, citing ongoing legal challenges against Abioye, alleging his affiliations with the PDP and previous candidacy in the 2023 elections. Lawal expressed doubts about the commission’s readiness for the elections and accused it of acting in bad faith.

“The OSSIEC’s abrupt closure and its actions suggest either a lack of preparation or deliberate attempts to undermine the electoral process,” Lawal added.

The APC has vowed to use all legally permissible means to ensure that its candidates are not unfairly treated by what it views as a compromised electoral body.