The Labour Party in Ogun State has expressed strong disapproval of the local government elections held on November 16, 2024, citing widespread irregularities and voter disenfranchisement.
During an emergency press conference at the party’s secretariat on Saturday, Lookman Jagun, the state chairman, criticized the elections for failing to meet the essential standards required for a legitimate electoral process.
Jagun labeled the election a “sham” and declared that the party would not recognize any results that may be announced.
He remarked, “Regrettably, the Chairman of OGSIEC, Babatunde Osibodu, missed the chance to demonstrate his capability during this local government election. What transpired in Ogun State today did not meet the fundamental requirements for conducting an election.”
“There was no election at all across Ogun State. The citizens of Ogun were intentionally disenfranchised and denied the opportunity to voice their discontent with the state’s governance failures through their votes.”
He noted that virtually all polling units in Ogun experienced a complete lack of electoral activity, stating, “OGSIEC officials were absent in over 90 percent of the polling units, and by 1:30 PM, no election materials had arrived.”
Jagun shared that Labour party supporters were forced to abandon several polling stations after waiting for hours to cast their votes. In instances where materials did arrive, supporters were reportedly chased away, and those who resisted faced violence and intimidation.
He continued, “You may recall that the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, previously claimed that the opposition was powerless and that the APC would dominate the elections. Their intention was to rig the election in the most crude and barbaric manner, which was evident in today’s farce. Ogun State, as the gateway state, deserves better from OGSIEC.”
“We categorically reject any results stemming from this farcical election. The citizens of Ogun State have voiced their opinions on radio and television, confirming that no election occurred here.”
The party has called for OGSIEC to annul the entire election, asserting that it contravened Ogun State’s electoral laws, and emphasized that they will not accept any results that are declared.
