The Owu community, in the Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, expressed dissatisfaction over what it calls an unfair allocation of electoral wards, despite its large population and high voter registration numbers.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Concerned Apex Citizens of Owu, Pastor Sola Makinde, speaking on behalf of the community, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create at least three additional wards to supplement the existing three.
This, he argued, would ensure fair political representation and promote more effective governance.
Makinde highlighted discrepancies in the ward distribution, referencing data from INEC’s website.
He pointed out that other communities within the local government, such as Oke-Ona, Gbagura, and Oke-Ogun, each have between four and five wards.
Meanwhile, despite having 42,264 registered voters, the second highest in the local government, Owu is allocated just three wards and 78 polling units.
“This unequal distribution places an undue burden on Owu residents, who are forced to walk long distances to reach polling units, discouraging voter participation and contributing to voter apathy,” Makinde stated.
He further emphasized the need for a comprehensive review, asserting that the current ward structure is outdated.
“Our findings reveal a glaring imbalance in the allocation of only three wards to Owu, despite our substantial population and voter registration strength.
It’s clear that the delineation is long overdue,” Makinde said.
“This adjustment is crucial for ensuring fair political representation, enhancing civic responsibility, and fostering greater community engagement,” he continued.
The group underscored that ward delineation is vital for preventing political imbalance and ensuring equitable representation at the grassroots level.
Given Owu’s large population, vast land size, and insufficient polling units, the community is calling for the creation of three additional wards to address these concerns.
“Owu currently has three administrative/political wards, but given our population and growth, we are entitled to at least five,” Makinde added.
“Expanding the number of wards will help reduce voter apathy and mark a significant milestone in our political and electoral representation, both within Owu and the larger Abeokuta North Local Government,” he said.
Supporting the call for action, Mr. Sunday Akintona, the former Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, also urged INEC to swiftly address the issue.
“This issue has been long overdue,” Akintona stated.
“Considering Owu’s continuous growth and population expansion, INEC must recognize the pressing need for additional wards to ensure political inclusion and improved electoral participation,” Akintola concluded.
