In the run-up to the local government elections in Oyo State, there are mounting concerns of a potential electoral malpractice orchestrated by the ruling party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as reported by the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The APC has raised alarm over what they describe as a concerted effort by the PDP to manipulate the electoral process to its advantage.

According to sources within the APC, there is a purported plan by the PDP to influence electoral officers in all 33 local government areas (LGAs) to utilize doctored voter registers. This alteration aims to disenfranchise voters perceived as independent-minded or supporters of the APC, thus skewing the election results in favor of the ruling party.

Additionally, allegations have been made that certain PDP members have been installed as Ward Collation Officers with instructions to impede the smooth collation of results across the 351 wards. This tactic is believed to pave the way for the submission of pre-prepared, fraudulent results in favor of PDP candidates.

Moreover, recent reports suggest that the Oyo State chapter of the PDP has directed the State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) to relocate all Local Government Collation Centres to Local Government Council Secretariats.

This move has been viewed with suspicion, as it could potentially facilitate the announcement of PDP candidates as winners regardless of the actual votes cast at the polling units.

In response to these alarming developments, concerned citizens and stakeholders are urged to actively participate in the electoral process and exercise their civil franchise. The public is encouraged to turn out en masse on election day to vote for candidates of their choice and remain vigilant within the polling centers until results are officially announced.