The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vehemently opposed the hasty passage of an Executive Bill aimed at amending the Kwara State Local Government Electoral Law.
The party’s State Secretary, Abdulrahman Abdullahi Kayode, outlined their concerns and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the bill in a strongly-worded letter addressed to the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Judiciary/Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs at the Kwara State House of Assembly.
The proposed amendments, particularly the extension of the notification of elections by the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) from ninety to three hundred and sixty days, raised concerns about the lack of broader consultation with stakeholders such as market associations, artisans, and farmers, whose input could have been crucial in shaping the bill.
The party also raised suspicions about the motives behind the rapid passage, suggesting a potential alignment between the House and the executive arm of the government, casting doubts on the transparency of the legislative process. The PDP further criticized the errors in the bill, emphasizing the need for careful drafting to avoid unintended consequences.
The party also condemned the exclusion of political parties and other key stakeholders from the public hearing, highlighting the absence of invitations to representatives of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and the media. The PDP viewed this exclusion as a deliberate attempt to stifle dissenting voices and manipulate public opinion.
However, the Kwara State PDP demanded the immediate withdrawal of the bill, calling for a comprehensive reevaluation that includes the active participation of all necessary stakeholders, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to voice their concerns and urged the Committee to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
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