Ogun LG Poll: Governor Hails Voters, LP Rejects results

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commended the people of the state for their peaceful conduct during Saturday’s local government elections, describing it as a reflection of their readiness to elect leaders of their choice. However, the Labour Party (LP) in Ogun has rejected the exercise, calling for its cancellation over alleged irregularities.

Governor Abiodun, speaking after casting his vote at Ita-Osanyin Unit 2, Ward 3 in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area, noted that while there were some challenges, the process was largely peaceful. Arriving at the polling unit at 11:10 a.m. and voting at 11:22 a.m., the governor said, “In any election, you cannot rule out logistical hiccups, but I have been informed that these issues have been resolved, and voting is ongoing across the state. I am confident that the outcome will reflect the people’s will.”

Reports from Sagamu and Ikenne local government areas showed impressive voter turnout, with many residents trooping to polling units to cast their ballots. An observer from Advocacy for Social Justice & Liberty, Charles Odunuga, praised the electoral process as “decent and well-organized.”

However, the Labour Party rejected the elections, alleging systemic rigging in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). At a press briefing in Abeokuta, LP State Chairman Engr. Abiodun Jagun accused the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) of violating electoral laws. He cited late arrival of materials, absence of voter accreditation, and non-display of voters’ registers as evidence of malpractice.

Jagun described the process as a “charade,” particularly in Obafemi-Owode and Abeokuta South local government areas, where he claimed LP supporters were harassed and polling units were left unattended. “Our teeming supporters, including youths and the elderly, waited for hours for materials that never arrived. In some places, those who stood their ground were beaten,” he alleged.

The Labour Party has vowed to challenge the election in court if their demand for cancellation is not met, accusing OGSIEC Chairman Babatunde Osibodu of failing to uphold electoral standards.