Electorate in Osun State have expressed frustration over the poor management of the local government elections, citing the absence of electoral officials at polling units as a major flaw in the process. Many voters were unable to cast their ballots due to the lack of staff at designated polling stations.

At Unit 11, Ward 3 in Asubuaro, Osogbo, Mrs. Tinumola Tijani arrived at her polling unit before 9:00 a.m. but was unable to vote as no OSSIEC staff were present. “It’s unfortunate that I couldn’t cast my vote. This election fell far below the expectations of the electorate,” Tijani said.

Similarly, Mr. Yemi Akindele, a voter at Unit 17, Ward 4, Cele junction, Owode-Ede, described the election as a “jamboree” after arriving early only to find no staff to assist voters. “What kind of election is this? I am highly disappointed,” Akindele remarked.

The situation was not much different in other parts of Osun, including Ife, Osogbo, and Obokun, where many polling units were similarly unmanned.

However, in the governor’s hometown of Ede, polling units like Obalaoye Grammar School and Oloba Atapara saw some activity, with voters present and staff in attendance.

Adding to the discontent, many residents ignored the state’s restriction on vehicular movement, with cars seen moving freely during election hours. Additionally, several businesses operated as usual, further highlighting the election’s disarray.

By 10:30 a.m., voting had concluded in many polling units, leading to further criticism of the entire election process.

Despite the poor turnout and issues with election organization, some voters in Ede were able to participate in the election, with OSSIEC staff attending to them.

This lack of organization and failure to meet basic election standards has left many in Osun State feeling disenfranchised.