By Abiodun Badejo on March 23, 2014A
This, he said is beyond the power of the electoral body even if INEC aims to conduct free and fair elections.
The former INEC officer spoke in Ore, Odigbo local government area of Ondo State while declaring his interest to contest the Southern Senatorial seat under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Okunfolami, who had served as REC in Plateau, Edo, and Oyo states said the solution to these challenges is for the electorates to know their rights and politicians should stop using security operatives to intimidate the people.
His words: "There can never be free and fair election in a situation where somebody will violate the law and use a department of the government to intimidate all of us, including INEC officials. At that level, INEC cannot do anything. Some of our experiences when at INEC is that you may be counting votes and a large number of army will surround you with guns and the next thing you will hear is carry! carry!! carry!!! You are not safe here. In that situation, you have no choice than to follow them.
"I have seen a situation where one of these oppressed Politicians spat into the eye of an INEC officials just because she refused to follow their instruction. Though, we ensured the election of that area was cancelled".
The former REC, while saying that he was very optimistic that the 2015 general elections would be free and fair, urged the electoral body to avoid any flaws.
He lamented over a situation where election was conducted in some local governments in 2011 general elections in the State and the votes were taken to Akure, the State Capital for counting, stressing that such action was against the electoral law.
The PDP Chieftain said his party was battle ready for the Ilaje/Ese-Odo bye-election, adding that they were working tremendously to win the election in honour of their leader, late Governor Olusegun Agagu.
He added that the party leaders have embarked on reconciliation of its members in order to prepare the party for future elections.
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