The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly opposed plans by the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) to conduct another local government election on December 26, 2026, describing the move as illegal, self-serving and detrimental to democratic governance at the grassroots level.
The opposition party said it would not only boycott the proposed election but would also collaborate with other stakeholders to resist what it termed an attempt by Governor Seyi Makinde to install loyalists in local government councils before leaving office in May 2027.
OYSIEC had initially fixed January 2027 for the next local government election in the state.
However, the commission later rescheduled the exercise to December 26, 2026, following the release of the timetable for the 2027 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The decision has generated debate among political observers, many of whom have questioned the rationale behind conducting another council election barely six months before the expiration of the tenure of the current chairmen and councillors across the state’s 33 local government areas and 351 wards.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC alleged that the planned poll was designed to extend Governor Makinde’s political influence beyond his tenure in office.
According to the party, the governor does not support genuine local government autonomy and has failed to strengthen democratic institutions at the grassroots level throughout his administration.
“The whole world knows that Gov. Makinde does not believe in local government autonomy and when it comes to democracy at the grassroots, he cannot be trusted,” the APC stated.
The party further accused the governor of controlling resources meant for local governments, arguing that councils in the state have been unable to operate independently under the current administration.
It maintained that residents are eager to see a new era in local governance after the governor’s exit from office in May 2027, expressing confidence that ongoing efforts by the federal government to strengthen local government autonomy would eventually take effect in the state.
The APC also claimed that the governor’s decision to support another council election before the end of his tenure was aimed at ensuring that individuals loyal to him remain in control of local government structures after he leaves office.
The party linked what it described as poor development in some rural communities to the current arrangement governing local government finances, citing Oriire Local Government as an example.
According to the APC, despite receiving substantial monthly allocations from the federal government, many councils have little visible development to show due to what it described as the continued operation of the joint account system.
The opposition party also dismissed previous local government elections conducted in 2020 and 2024, alleging that they failed to reflect genuine democratic processes.
It warned OYSIEC officials against proceeding with preparations for the December poll, insisting that public funds should not be spent on what it characterised as a premature and unnecessary election.
The APC concluded by urging the electoral commission to suspend all arrangements for the proposed exercise, maintaining that the people of Oyo State deserve transparent democratic processes and accountable governance at the grassroots level.
