Voter Apathy, Late Arrival of Election Materials, and Officials Mar Ondo LG Polls
Voter apathy and logistical challenges characterized the local government elections held across 18 local government areas of Ondo State on Saturday. The elections, conducted by the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), faced several hurdles, including late arrivals of election materials and low voter turnout.
Late Arrival of Election Materials and Low Turnout
LEADERSHIP correspondents monitoring the election observed that, while the election process was largely peaceful, it suffered delays in the arrival of election officials and materials, especially in Akure, the state capital. In many polling units, voting was delayed as election materials arrived hours late, and the voter turnout was significantly low.
In some areas, such as Gbogi/Isinkan II along Agagu Road in Akure South Local Government Area, electoral officers and security personnel were seen waiting for voters, while youths played football nearby. This reflected the low enthusiasm among voters to participate in the local elections.
Challenges in Akure and Other Areas
In Akure, electoral materials arrived late at most polling units, with only a handful of voters seen at the stations. At Ward 4, Unit 27 at St. Stephen Primary School in Ijomu, and Ward 9, Unit 3 at St. Paul Primary School in Oba Ile, Akure South and Akure North Local Government Areas, the turnout was sparse despite the exercise being peaceful.
Some residents attributed the low turnout to the withdrawal of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from the elections. Chief Boluwaji Farinmo, a resident of Oke-Ogba, expressed disappointment over the lack of voter participation, urging the government to invest in aggressive grassroots mobilization to encourage people to vote and understand the significance of local government elections.
Another voter, Mr. Olamide Bello, also called for more public awareness campaigns to ensure greater electoral participation in future elections.
Governor Aiyedatiwa Responds to PDP Withdrawal
Speaking after casting his vote at Polling Unit 5, Ward 4 in Ilaje Local Government Area, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the PDP’s decision to pull out of the election as “cowardice.” He said, “For the PDP to pull out, that is cowardice. They participated in the whole process, the ODIEC released the timetable for the election, and I don’t know the reason for that.”
Aiyedatiwa further emphasized that while the elections had minimal challenges, they were largely peaceful and free from crisis, similar to the November 16 election, which was widely regarded as free and fair. He praised the security agencies for their role in maintaining peace and order throughout the state.
Deputy Governor’s Encouragement
Meanwhile, Dr. Olayide Adelami, the state’s Deputy Governor, cast his vote at Unit 16, Igboroko 2, Ward 3 in Owo Local Government Area. He expressed satisfaction with the turnout of voters and urged others still at home to perform their civic duty, emphasizing the importance of voting in local elections as they play a vital role in governance at the grassroots level.
NNPP Demands Election Cancellation Over Logo Omission
A major issue emerged when candidates of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) called for the cancellation of the elections due to the omission of the party’s logo on the ballot papers. Adebayo Olumide Oluwemimo, the NNPP chairmanship candidate in Ondo West Local Government, and Akinnagbe Akinola Johnson, his vice-chairmanship candidate, expressed their frustration at the error.
Both candidates alleged intimidation of their supporters at polling units and accused ODIEC of bias by refusing to provide party agents’ tags. Adebayo noted that despite their confidence in winning, the absence of the correct logo on the ballot made the election unfair.
Pastor Peter Olagookun, the Ondo State Chairman of NNPP, condemned the error and called for calm, assuring that necessary steps would be taken to address the situation.
Conclusion
Despite the logistical issues, such as late arrival of materials and low voter turnout, the Ondo State Local Government Elections were conducted peacefully. However, with allegations of bias, issues with party logos, and voter apathy affecting the election’s credibility, questions about the transparency and inclusivity of the process remain. As the NNPP considers legal action over the ballot error, the ODIEC faces pressure to address the grievances and improve the electoral system in future elections.
