NAN-H-22
By-Election
By Lydia Ngwakwe
Lagos, Nov. 18, 2016 (NAN) Some political parties in Lagos on Friday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be fair to all in the conduct of the Dec. 3 Ifako/Ijaye by-election.
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the parties noted that only an unbiased commission could conduct a credible and conclusive election.
The Lagos State Chairman of Action Alliance, Mr Shola Omolola, urged INEC not to give advantage to any party.
“We expect INEC to continue to be an impartial umpire; it should be fair to all parties, and at the same time, treat them as equal.
“We also urge politicians to allow a level playing ground so that the election can be conclusive because INEC has accused politicians of perpetrating inconclusive elections in Nigeria,” Omolola said.
The Lagos State Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prince Adeshina Olayokun, also urged INEC to display a high level of honesty during the election.
“INEC as an institution must not take side with any individual or political party; this is the only way the election will be fair and credible.
“INEC must seen to exhibit its functions according to the constitution of Nigeria; besides, the election is holding in just a local government, so we expect the best from INEC,” Olayokun said.
The Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Ola Apena, also urged INEC to remain an impartial judge.
“INEC, of course, is expected to be honest in their conduct and refuse to be compromised by desperate politicians who wish to win at all cost.
“Election should not be a do-or-die affair; any candidate who loses election should take it in good fate. He should realise we are in a game, and in a game, you can only have one winner,” Apena said.
The Lagos State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Movement, Dr Akin Badmus, also advised INEC to be neutral in the election.
“INEC should be neutral and fair to every political party; it should also ensure ballot papers and all the necessary materials for the election get to the polling booths on time.
“This is the only way a successful election can be achieved.
“Above all, they should ensure the use of card readers and make them function effectively,” Badmus said.
NAN reports that the by-election is to take place following the death of Mr Elijah Adewale, who represented Ifako Ijaiye Federal Constituency of Lagos State in the House of Representatives.
Adewale slumped and died in his Abuja home in July.(NAN)
LED/SOA
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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle