INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi has commended the exemplary level of tolerance and collaboration displayed by all political parties leading to peaceful electoral process in the state during previous electoral exercises.
He stated that the success of the electoral process hinges on the cooperation and collaboration of all stakeholders, most especially the political parties.
The INEC REC stated these when members of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ekiti State, paid a courtesy visit to the State Office in Ado Ekiti
The purpose of the meeting was to welcome the REC to the state, discuss pertinent issues and strengthen the relationship between political parties and the electoral body.
In his opening address, the REC further urged all political parties to actively participate in the electoral process, not just as competitors but as partners in the pursuit of a stronger democracy.
In response to the RECs welcome address, the IPAC Chairman, Mr Daramola Owoola from the Young Progressive Party (YPP) welcome the REC to Ekiti state and promised their support to INEC in carrying out her duties as an electoral umpire.
He also mentioned that Ekiti is a peaceful state which has witnessed four consecutive peaceful elections.
Some other members of IPAC also added their remarks.
The Chairman of National Rescue Movement Party (NRM), Mr Ifedayo Iyaniwura spoke about the homogeneity of Ekiti which brought us all together as one, and adviced the Hon REC not to be carried away with the governance era which he came into the state and not the politicking era.
He then appealed to him to deal equally with all political parties in the state.
The Peoples Democratic Party Secretary, encouraged the REC that they are all with him in the state and that she’s hopeful the collective will of the people will be celebrated, appreciated and allowed to take it’s proper place.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Publicity Secretary, Mr Segun Dipe Arogundade commended the REC for his fairness and contentment as he had known him for a long time. He welcomed him on behalf of his party to Ekiti state
The Ekiti REC, ‘Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, in his closing remarks thanked the IPAC members for welcoming him to the state and charged all present that electoral process and democracy is more than election. All political parties have a duty of mobilizing and educating party members at the grassroot level in participating in electoral activities which is essential in sustaining good development in a nation.
In attendance were representative of each political party which include; Chief Seun Abiola (Accord State Chairman), Joseph Anifowose (AA State Chairman), Hon Ilesanmi Omolayo (ADC State Chairman), Mr Segun Dipe Arogundade (APC Publicity Secretary), Okunade A.O Esq (LP State Chairman), Ifedayo Iyanuoluwa (NRM State Chairman), Engr Alaba Agboola (PDP State Chairman), Pastor Akinola Victor (PRP State Secretary) and Daramola Owoola (YPP State Chairman)
