The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission has announced plans to recruit over 8,000 ad hoc staff for the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for 22 February, 2025.
The recruitment drive is part of efforts to ensure seamless electoral operations across the state.
OSSIEC Chairman, Hashim Abioye, disclosed this on Thursday in Osogbo during a visit by members of the Osun State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government, led by its Chairman, Olujimi Asagade. He highlighted that preparations for the polls were nearing completion and assured stakeholders of the commission’s readiness to conduct credible and transparent elections.
While emphasising the commission’s autonomy, Abioye reassured stakeholders that there had been no external interference, particularly from the state’s executive arm and Governor Ademola Adeleke. He also pledged to maintain impartiality throughout the electoral process.
“Regarding our preparation for the elections, I can tell you we are fully prepared. We are embracing technology to recruit ad hoc staff to ensure a more efficient system. If we didn’t do that, our premises would have been filled with a crowd. We will need over 8,000 ad hoc staff for the elections,” he said.
Abioye further revealed that a functional portal had been established for the recruitment process and other preparatory activities. Additionally, infrastructure within the commission’s premises had been upgraded to facilitate smooth operations.
“While the election process would not be fully electronic, the commission has implemented technology for monitoring activities at polling units. The results will not be transmitted electronically, but the facility we have on the ground allows us to monitor happenings in every polling unit. We have digital equipment to do that,” he added.
Reaffirming OSSIEC’s independence, Abioye stated: “I can tell you most sincerely that Governor Ademola Adeleke is not interfering with our duties. We are also carrying along the Inter-Party Advisory Council in all our activities to build trust.
“We appreciate the House for giving us a good law to operate with. The law made for local government elections in Osun has become a template for other states.”
In his response, Olujimi Asagade commended Abioye for laying a strong foundation for the commission. He assured him of the Assembly’s support in ensuring the conduct of an election that would be acceptable to all stakeholders.
