Chairman of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), Babatunde Osibodu, has said one party can only win the state’s November 16 local government elections when others fail to cast their votes.

Osibodu was responding to the perception of some residents that ruling parties in every state were already programmed to win local government elections with or without public support.

He opined that the mindset is incorrect, citing elections in Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, and other places where opposition parties prevailed.

Osibodu spoke on Tuesday in an interview with DAILY POST at the commission’s headquarters in Abeokuta.

The chairman argued that the commission operates an open-door policy to all political parties, assuring equal opportunities and a free and fair election.

He said, “It is not correct to say that no opposition party has been gaining seats in local government elections. I recall that in Akwa-Ibom, at least one opposition chairmanship candidate won his election; I think it’s the same in Rivers and one other state. It may be that in the past, it wasn’t just one party that won the election, but as democracy deepens, we are getting there gradually.

“We are telling the people of Ogun State that on the day of the election, they should come out and cast their votes without fear and do away with the sentiment that it is one party that will win.

“If you continue to say it is only one party that will win and you don’t come out to vote, then only one party will win. The only way we can entrench democracy and make sure that people are involved is when people come out to vote.”

Speaking of the Commission’s preparedness for Saturday’s election, Osibodu said they are 100 percent ready, as all necessary preparations are already in place.

He explained that the elections in all 5,042 polling units across the state will begin at 8 a.m. and close at 2 p.m.

“On that day, the polling units will open at 8 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. Between 8 and 2, there will be no vehicular movement except for vehicles on official election duties or emergency services.

“There is a possibility of an extension of that time, probably due to late arrival, all of which we don’t expect, but in case it happens, we can have a one-hour extension. Our team will arrive at each of the 5,042 polling units in the state and will be accompanied by law enforcement officers.

Osibodu reassured the populace of maximum security during the elections and encouraged all to come out and vote for the candidate of their choice, saying, “Don’t be afraid, I am giving you my word; your votes will be counted.”

Ogun LG polls: One party wins when others fail to vote – OGSIEC boss, Osibodu