Less than a week after the local government elections in Kwara State, controversies have erupted over the election’s outcome. The Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC) has faced criticism, with many labeling the process a “sham.”
Critics argue that it is implausible for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to have won all 193 councilorship and 16 chairmanship positions without manipulation. The elections, held for the first time since 2017, marked the end of seven years of governance by caretaker committees.
KWSIEC Chairman, Muhammad Okanla-Baba, announced the results, commending the peaceful election and praising the efforts of security agencies. Five political parties, including the APC, APM, PDP, SDP, and Accord, participated in the elections.
However, many observers expressed skepticism, questioning how the APC could gain sweeping victories despite its perceived poor performance in the state and nationwide. They highlighted issues such as rising unemployment, inflation, and a lack of development under the APC administration. Critics pointed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq’s alienation of party members and lack of connection with ordinary people as reasons why widespread support for the APC seemed unlikely.
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rejected the election results, calling them a “desecration of democracy.” In a statement, the PDP accused the APC of colluding with KWSIEC to manipulate the election and subvert the people’s will. The party demanded the election’s cancellation and the formation of a tribunal to address the alleged irregularities, promising to pursue legal avenues to restore what it called the people’s “stolen mandate.”
