The Chairman of Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, Hashim Abioye, has disclosed his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party amid controversy surrounding his appointment by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Abioye’s revelation comes in response to criticism from Civil Societies Organisations and opposition parties who questioned the propriety of his appointment due to his past affiliation with the PDP.

Critics called for his resignation, citing concerns about the fairness of the local government election.

In addressing these concerns, Abioye stated in a radio current affairs program in Osogbo on Thursday, “Even if my appointment was defective, it doesn’t affect the work of the agency, that is what they (critics) don’t know.”

He clarified his resignation from the PDP, saying, “I have resigned my membership from the PDP immediately I got wind of my appointment to head the electoral body.”

Abioye urged stakeholders not to perceive him as partisan, emphasizing his commitment to impartiality in conducting the forthcoming election.

“People are looking at it from the angle of politics; people are not looking at it from the angle of service delivery,” Abioye remarked.

He highlighted the importance of focusing on the responsibilities of the agency rather than past political affiliations.

Responding to concerns about his political background, Abioye emphasized, “The law does not say that if you were partisan before, you cannot become OSIEC Chairman today.”

He added that his resignation from the PDP occurred before the Osun State House of Assembly confirmed his nomination by Governor Adeleke, further reinforcing his commitment to a non-partisan approach in overseeing the electoral process.