By: Habeeb Daranijo
Today’s highly anticipated local government election in Saki West, Oyo State, descended into disarray as the absence of electoral officers and the non-distribution of crucial voting materials left all 11 wards in limbo, devoid of any voting activities.
Our correspondent, Habeeb Daranijo stationed at the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) office in Ajegunle arrived early to witness the distribution of electoral materials. However, to our dismay, the electoral officers were conspicuously absent, leaving the office deserted and voters stranded.
Despite frantic efforts to reach electoral officials and salvage the situation, there was no response, and the promised distribution of ballot papers and voting materials never materialized. This glaring absence of electoral oversight cast a shadow over the democratic process in Saki West, leaving residents bewildered and frustrated.
Venturing into the heart of Saki West, our reporters toured numerous polling units, only to find them deserted and devoid of any election-related activities. The atmosphere, usually bustling with anticipation on election day, was eerily quiet, punctuated only by the disappointment of voters who had turned out in vain.
As uncertainty looms over the fate of the election, residents of Saki West are left to ponder the implications of this unforeseen setback to their democratic rights. Questions abound regarding the reasons behind the absence of electoral officers and the failure to distribute voting materials, prompting calls for urgent intervention and accountability from electoral authorities.
The resident call on Gov. Seyi Makinde to uphold his promise of free and fair election without setting democracy ablaze.