Ogun LG poll: NNPP, Labour Party allege electoral mismanagement

The November 16, 2024, Ogun State local government elections have come under scrutiny, with allegations of malpractice, delays, and voter disenfranchisement. Both the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the Labour Party (LP) have accused the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) of bias and gross mismanagement, raising concerns about the credibility of the electoral process.

The NNPP’s Ogun Central Senatorial Chairman, Hon. Semiu Akingbala, highlighted the absence of OGSIEC officials in Ososun Ward 8, Ifo Local Government Area, a ward comprising 49 polling units. Across the state, voters reported hours-long waits, with many leaving before officials arrived. By 3 PM, updates from several wards revealed delays and uneven electoral processes.

The NNPP’s Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Comrade Omokehinde Olowu, described the situation as suspicious. “Most of the OGSIEC officials arrived around 2 PM, long after most voters had left,” Olowu said. “They brought only 50 ballot papers for Councillors and 50 for Chairmen. Where are the missing ballot papers? This reeks of premeditated malpractice.” He also alleged that armed thugs linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) intimidated and chased NNPP members away from polling units.

At polling units in Ibafo, Magboro, and Orimerunmu, voters were left stranded due to missing election materials. Similar delays were reported in Ilushin Ward, Waterside constituency, where materials arrived as late as 1 PM. NNPP councillor candidate Prince Adenekan Azeez Aribidesi and party member Mr. Ajayi Oluwatimilehin expressed frustration over the logistical failures, calling for immediate action.

The Labour Party (LP) has also rejected the conduct of the elections, describing them as a “charade.” At an emergency press conference in Abeokuta, LP State Chairman Luqmon Jagun accused OGSIEC of deliberately disenfranchising voters. “Materials arrived late, voter registers were not displayed, and there was no proper accreditation of voters. In several areas, our supporters were beaten and chased away from polling units,” Jagun stated.

Jagun criticised OGSIEC Chairman Babatunde Osibodu for failing to uphold electoral guidelines and laws. “What transpired falls far short of the minimum standard required for credible elections. Our teeming supporters, including youths, elderly men, and women, were denied their democratic rights.”

Both parties have called for the immediate cancellation of the election results, threatening legal action if their demands are not met.

Efforts to reach OGSIEC for clarification were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report, further deepening doubts about the integrity of the electoral process.

Stakeholders, including the NNPP and LP, have urged authorities to investigate the alleged irregularities and ensure accountability. “If OGSIEC fails to act, we will challenge this electoral charade in court,” Jagun warned.

The controversy surrounding the Ogun local government polls highlights the urgent need for electoral reforms to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.