By Emmanuel Ogbodo
The Osun State Local Government elections held on Saturday were marred by widespread voter apathy and the conspicuous absence of electoral officials at several polling units, raising concerns over the credibility of the electoral process.
Despite the generally peaceful atmosphere reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), many polling stations across Osogbo, Ile-Ife, and other regions were deserted.
By 9:15 a.m., ad hoc staff and security personnel were noticeably absent from key units in Ogo-Oluwa, Alekunwodo, and Oja-Oba, where voter lists were also missing.
Governor Ademola Adeleke’s directive restricting vehicular movement from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. appeared largely ignored, as normal traffic flow persisted across the state.
While police checkpoints were visible on major roads, markets and shops remained closed, creating an air of uncertainty throughout the day.
In stark contrast, Ede, the governor’s hometown, recorded higher voter engagement.
At polling centers such as Obalaoye Grammar School and Oloba Atapara, voters arrived early, and proceedings were smooth, with some units concluding voting by 8:30 a.m.
A voter, Nifemi Akingbala, commended the peaceful process, urging others to exercise their civic duty without fear.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, who cast his vote in Odo-Otin LGA, praised the orderly conduct of the election and lauded the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), for their efforts.
“Citizens must remain steadfast and uphold the law,” Egbedun stated, expressing confidence that the results would reflect the people’s will.
However, critics have pointed out glaring logistical lapses and the economic toll of the elections on citizens due to the shutdown of commercial activities.
OSSIEC has yet to address the irregularities or comment on the operational shortcomings that marred the electoral exercise.
