The much-anticipated local government election in Osun State has been marred by widespread voter apathy and logistical challenges, with reports of missing election officials and delayed voting in several polling units.
Despite assurances from the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) that the election would proceed smoothly, many polling stations witnessed a significantly low turnout of voters. Observers attribute this to a combination of factors, including security concerns, skepticism about the electoral process, and the withdrawal of key opposition parties.
Several voters who showed up at polling units early in the morning expressed frustration over the late arrival of electoral officers and materials. In some locations, election officials failed to appear entirely, leaving prospective voters confused about whether the election would proceed.
“We have been here since morning, but no one is telling us anything. The electoral officers are nowhere to be found, and we don’t even know if voting will take place in this polling unit,” a voter in Osogbo lamented.
The Labour Party, which had earlier pulled out of the election, criticized OSSIEC for failing to conduct a transparent and well-organized exercise. Meanwhile, some civil society organizations monitoring the election have urged authorities to address the concerns raised by voters to prevent further erosion of trust in the democratic process.
As results begin to trickle in, the credibility of the election remains a major talking point, with many questioning whether the process will reflect the true will of the people.