The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) held local government elections across the 33 council areas on April 27, 2024, chaired by Isiaka Olagunju, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). However, the election has sparked diverse opinions.
OYSIEC claims the election proceeded peacefully in all 33 local government areas and 361 wards. Yet, our correspondent, monitoring the polls, observed voter apathy and delays in electoral material delivery at many polling units. The promised 8 am to 3 pm voting window often didn’t materialize, and result sheets were notably absent.
Despite perceived irregularities and opposition outcry, winners were declared the next day, April 28, 2024, with candidates from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) securing all positions.
Governor Seyi Makinde lauds the election’s peaceful conduct, praising citizen participation and citing positive security reports.
Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, a House of Representatives member, echoes this sentiment, hailing security agencies for maintaining order and urging increased voter turnout for future local elections.
In contrast, the major opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC), calls for the election’s cancellation, alleging fraud and irregularities. APC’s Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare, criticizes the process, citing inadequate voting materials, delayed arrivals, and violence against opposition members.
Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, concurs with APC’s stance, citing OYSIEC’s lack of preparedness and abnormalities during the election.
Former Itesiwaju local government chairman, Dr. Thomas Olayode, highlights late material arrivals and low voter turnout, while a public commentator condemns the election as a “show of shame” and “recklessly rigged.”
Despite divergent opinions, the aftermath of the Oyo State local elections underscores the need for transparent and fair electoral processes to uphold democracy and public trust.
