The Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Lukman Adeleye, has decried the November 16, 2024, local government elections in Ogun State, alleging voter intimidation and widespread malpractice orchestrated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during a live interview on Eagle 102.5 FM’s current affairs program, Frontline, Adeleye accused the APC of deploying undemocratic tactics to retain its grip on power in the state.
According to him, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had sought to use the polls to demonstrate the dwindling popularity of Governor Dapo Abiodun and the APC.
“Our goal was simple—to show the governor and his party how irrelevant they have become,” Adeleye stated.
“The people of Ogun State have moved on, with the PDP representing the majority in key regions. Unfortunately, the APC resorted to voter intimidation and outright fraud to claim an undeserved victory.”
Adeleye argued that the PDP remains the dominant political force in Ogun East and Ogun Central senatorial districts.
He accused the APC of orchestrating irregularities across polling units to alter the outcome of the election, which saw the ruling party declared winner in all local government areas.
Describing the situation as reflective of a national trend, Adeleye stated, “This is bigger than Ogun State. Across Nigeria, ruling parties use their influence to suppress opposition voices and undermine democracy.”
He called on the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) and independent observers to thoroughly review the election process.
Adeleye also advocated for judicial reforms to ensure that electoral disputes are not restricted to state high courts, which he believes limits the chances of fair adjudication.
“The people deserve justice. Democracy cannot thrive where fraud and intimidation are the tools of governance,” he remarked.
Adeleye’s criticism comes amid growing concerns over the credibility of local elections across Nigeria, with opposition parties often raising similar allegations against ruling governments.
He urged stakeholders in Ogun State to prioritize fairness and transparency in subsequent elections, emphasizing that democracy must reflect the will of the people.
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