In a recent statement, the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed disappointment in Governor Seyi Makinde and the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) for their handling of the local government elections.
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare, conveyed these concerns in a message shared with NewsNow.
OYSIEC conducted local government elections across all 33 local government areas of the state today, as reported by NewsNow.
While Governor Seyi Makinde initially described the elections as peaceful, the APC’s Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare, raised issues such as the unavailability of election officials, disenfranchisement of voters, shortage of voting materials, instances of violence, and threats to individuals’ safety in certain areas of the state.
The APC criticized both the governor and OYSIEC for what they perceive as a letdown to the citizens.
Sadare, in the statement, denounced the ongoing local government council election as a charade and warned of the negative reputation it could bring to the state if left unchecked.
He remarked on the situation at polling units across the state, accusing Governor Makinde of failing to deliver on his promise of ensuring a fair voting process. Sadare highlighted instances of inadequate mobilization of election officials at key polling units and insufficient distribution of voting materials, resulting in frustration among voters who had to leave before casting their ballots.
The APC official also pointed out incidents in several local government councils where official result sheets were reportedly withheld, and opposition members faced violence, including an attack on the party chairman in Ibarapa East.
He raised concerns about the significant number of eligible voters who were unable to participate, indicating that the outcome of the election could be skewed in favor of a minority group. The APC called for the cancellation of the entire election process, citing illegitimacy and lack of transparency in the conduct of the polls.