The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has raised concerns over irregularities in the local government elections held on Saturday, citing the late distribution of electoral materials and discrepancies in result sheets.
The party criticized the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) for distributing two result sheets to polling units instead of the expected one and for delays in the movement of election materials. These issues, the PDP argued, cast doubt on the credibility of the electoral process.
Speaking to journalists, the PDP state agent, Waliu Oladipupo, highlighted the potential impact on voter participation, particularly in remote areas. “Imagine somebody that is going to Ogun Waterside. Do you think they will get to their destination on time, having slated the election for 8:00 am? I doubt the credibility of the election,” Oladipupo remarked.
Reports indicate that as late as 7:32 am, election officials were still collecting materials from the OGSIEC office in Abeokuta, just minutes before the scheduled commencement of voting at 8:00 am.
The PDP has called for an extension of the voting period, originally set to close at 2:00 pm, to ensure all voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots. The party also demanded transparency in result declaration at all levels, from polling units to local government collation centers.
“We want the time to be extended so that voters can vote. Secondly, they should ensure that the results are declared at the polling units. From the ward collation centre down to the local government collation centre, they should declare the party that wins,” Oladipupo emphasized.
The delay and associated concerns, the PDP warned, could disenfranchise many voters and undermine confidence in the electoral process.
