The upcoming local government elections in Kogi State have been thrown into turmoil as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) accuses the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) of colluding with Moses Peter Oricha, the sacked chairman of the SDP in Kogi State. This alleged partnership undermines the electoral process’s integrity and raises concerns about transparency and fairness.
The Crisis Deepens
Oricha’s removal by the National Working Committee (NWC) due to anti-party activities has not stopped him from presenting himself as the legitimate chairman. He has been working with the state government to disrupt the SDP’s internal processes, further complicating the situation. The release of two separate lists of candidates by KOSIEC has created confusion and division within the SDP, compromising the commission’s credibility and threatening the democratic process.
SDP’s Stand
The SDP maintains that the only legitimate list of candidates is the one submitted by the NWC. Any alternative list is illegitimate, and the party vows to seek legal redress to protect its candidates and the electoral process’s integrity.
Impartiality and Transparency
As an independent body, KOSIEC must remain impartial and adhere to the rule of law. Its alignment with individuals like Oricha violates its mandate, creating distrust and doubt about the elections’ fairness. For democracy to thrive, transparency must be the cornerstone of every electoral process.
The People’s Right to Fair Elections
The people of Kogi State deserve a fair election, free from manipulation by political interests. KOSIEC must restore public confidence by upholding legitimate party authorities’ decisions and ensuring the elections reflect the people’s will, not a few individuals’ influence. Failure to do so will tarnish the electoral process and erode trust in the democratic system.
