Oyo Local Government Elections: Criticism and Protests Follow PDP’s Clean Sweep

On Saturday, April 27, 2024, the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission conducted local government elections across the 33 council areas.

However, the election, overseen by Isiaka Olagunju, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has sparked mixed reactions. According to OYSIEC, the election unfolded peacefully across all 33 local government areas and 361 wards.

Nonetheless, our correspondent, who monitored the polls, observed voter apathy and delayed arrival of electoral materials at most polling units.

Despite the electoral body’s initial promise of an 8 am start and 3 pm conclusion, this timeline was not adhered to in many areas, with result sheets notably absent in several polling units.

Despite these challenges, the electoral body declared winners the following day, Sunday, April 28, 2024, amid objections from opposition parties and other stakeholders.

Notably, candidates of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in all positions.