PDP Dominates Oyo Local Council Elections, Sparks Reactions

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has clinched all 33 chairmanship seats in the local government areas of Oyo State.

This announcement was made by the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) following the elections held on April 27, 2024.

However, the results have sparked controversy, as the African Action Congress (AAC) has vehemently rejected the outcomes, labeling the election a “monumental electoral heist.” The AAC has accused OYSIEC and the PDP of engaging in fraudulent activities that marred the electoral process, including intimidation, violence, and the misuse of administrative power.

Kayode Babayomi, the state chair for AAC, detailed numerous issues during the election day, such as serious delays in the distribution of voting materials, mobilization of thugs to intimidate voters, and the wrongful detention of AAC party members. “The evidence of these fraudulent acts are well documented and visible online, disappointing many voters who witnessed this disgraceful display,” said Babayomi.

Babayomi further criticized Isiaka Olagunje, the chairman of OYSIEC, for his alleged partiality towards the PDP, demanding that he be investigated and prosecuted for undermining the electoral process. The AAC is calling for the immediate cancellation of the election results and the scheduling of a new election to restore trust and integrity to the electoral process in Oyo State.

Despite the AAC’s protest, the official results reflect a sweeping victory for the PDP, with significant leads in key areas such as Iseyin LG where PDP secured 69,896 votes against APC’s 8,241, and Ibadan North where PDP garnered an overwhelming 73,240 votes to APC’s 5,548.