The local government elections held in Ondo State on Saturday were marked by a noticeable low turnout of voters.
According to the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), 13 political parties were expected to participate in the elections. However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), one of the opposition parties, withdrew from the process on Wednesday, citing a lack of confidence in the electoral body’s ability to conduct credible polls.
Reports from Chronicles Reporters revealed that electoral officers arrived at polling units as early as 8 a.m., but the turnout was significantly low. Many polling officials were seen waiting idly for voters. For instance, at Sacred Heart Primary School, Akure, fewer than 20 voters had cast their ballots by 11:30 a.m., according to an electoral officer.
Similar situations were observed at Ward 4, Unit 27; Unit 7, Ward 2; and Units 9 and 10. Despite this, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, who cast his vote at Unit 7, Ward 4 in Akure South Local Government, described the election process as smooth and peaceful.
Adeniyan stated, “The process was smooth and peaceful. While the turnout could have been better, this is a positive step for Ondo State. It marks progress toward local government autonomy. So far, there have been no incidents reported, and overall, the election has been encouraging.”
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who voted at Polling Unit 5, Ugbo Ward 4 in Ilaje Local Government Area, praised ODIEC for ensuring a seamless election process. He emphasized that the exercise was a critical step toward strengthening grassroots development and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to efficient local governance in line with the law.
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