Electoral Law Expert, Dr. Oluwadayisi, Advocates Compliance, Reforms in Ondo LG Elections

A leading specialist in Electoral Law and Justice, Dr. Akin Olawale Oluwadayisi, has called for strict compliance with electoral laws to ensure credible local government elections in Ondo State.

He made this call while delivering a paper titled “Local Government Elections: The Law, the Stakeholders, and the Process” at a Stakeholders’ Workshop organized by the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), held on September 17th and 18th, 2024, at the Ondo State Information Technology Agency.

Dr. Oluwadayisi, a Senior Lecturer and Acting Head of the Department of Jurisprudence and International Law at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, stressed that adherence to the relevant legal frameworks is critical to ensuring free and fair elections.

“Compliance with extant legal frameworks such as the Electoral Act 2022, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), and the Ondo State Local Government Election Law 2006 is what will guarantee credible elections,” he said.

He highlighted the roles of key stakeholders in the electoral process, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ODIEC, political parties, voters, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, the media, and civil society organizations. According to him, every stakeholder must play by the rules to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

Dr. Oluwadayisi, who identified several challenges confronting the local government election process in Ondo State, emphasized the need for ODIEC to be financially and operationally independent, noting that such autonomy would enhance its ability to conduct free and fair elections.
He urged for greater efforts to raise public awareness and engage political parties, ensuring that citizens are better informed about their rights and responsibilities during elections.

The legal expert, who is also a Fellow, Centre for Comparative Law in Africa, University of Cape Town, South Africa, called for improved security strategies to ensure peaceful and orderly elections. “Security agents must ensure that all electoral activities are carried out in a safe and secure environment,” he added.

Dr. Oluwadayisi advocated a more prominent role for traditional rulers and religious leaders in the electoral process, particularly in promoting peace and encouraging voter participation.

To foster transparency, he recommended that political parties practice transparent candidate selection and decision-making processes, which are essential for maintaining internal democracy.

Dr. Oluwadayisi emphasized the crucial role that voters play in the democratic process, urging all stakeholders to ensure that the electorate is encouraged to participate actively in the upcoming local government elections. “Voters are key factors in any election because they elect their representatives and participate in the democratic process. Therefore, everything must be done to encourage their participation,” he stated.

The workshop was attended by dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami; the Chairman of ODIEC, Dr. Joseph Aremo; and representatives from security agencies and political parties.