Oyo State 2024 Local Government Election: 10 Things You Should Know

Nearly 3 million eligible voters, over 4,900 candidates, and 18 political parties; are some key figures to keep in mind ahead of today’s Oyo State Local Government election scheduled for Saturday, 27th April 2024 across the 33 Local Government Areas and 351 wards that make up the state political estate.

The local government is a tier of government that governs smaller geographical areas within a country, such as cities, towns, and counties. Local governments are considered the closest to the people at the grassroots and are responsible for managing and delivering essential public services to the community they serve. 

The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides that local governments are responsible for the provision of basic infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, markets, public primary schools, etc., and other essential services, such as water supply, waste management, and public transportation. This speaks to the vital roles played by local government administration in the development of the country.

Indeed, since April 2023 when the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) – the statutory body responsible for the conduct of local government elections in the state, rolled out the timetable for the election, political parties and stakeholders have been up and about canvassing for the votes of the electorates. The commission’s chairman, Aare Islakia Abiola Olagunju has repeatedly given assurance of a free and fair poll, reassuring political parties of a level playing field and transparency. With an impressive voter turnout, the pool is expected to be keenly contested and truly represent the will of the people.

TEN THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW AHEAD OF THE POLLS

As we all gear up ready to out and cast our votes come election day, below are some essential details to note:

1. ELIGIBILITY: All indigenes and non-indigenes who are 18 years and above and possess a Permanent Voters Card registered to Oyo State will be allowed to vote in the election. You can only cast your ballot in a ward where you are registered.
2. DURATION: Accreditation and voting is scheduled to start by 8:00 AM and end by 3:00 PM.
3. CAMPAIGNS: All candidates and political parties contesting for councillorship positions must stop campaigning at 12 midnight on the day before the election day. Canvassing for votes on election day is an electoral offence.
4. IDENTIFICATION: You can identify a political party you want to vote for by its name, logo, or symbol.
5. INCLUSIVENESS: All qualified adults regardless of social status, religion, and gender are eligible to vote. Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are also eligible to vote.
6. ELECTORAL OFFENCE: Voters are advised to avoid giving and/or receiving valuable items for canvassing and influencing votes. Culprits are liable to legal persecution by security officials.
7. MODE OF VOTING: Voting shall be conducted using the Open Secret Ballot system. Voters will have to appear in person at their polling station for accreditation and cast their ballots by following the instructions of electoral officials.
8. ACCEPTABLE ID CARD: To cast your ballot, you must use your Permanent Voters Card (PVC). However, you can also vote using your National ID Card, international passport, or driver’s license. 
9. VOTE COUNT AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS: Vote counting kickstarts immediately after voting stops and sorting of ballot papers. Announcement of results is made by OYSIEC Returning Officers assigned to different wards.
10. ELECTION PETITION: The result of the Local Government election can only be challenged through the Local Government Council Areas (LCGA) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) election petition.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURES ON HOW TO CAST YOUR VOTE

1. You are required to go to your polling unit with your PVC (or other legal means of identification mentioned above) 
2. Again, voting starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:00 PM.
3. Confirm your name on the voter register pasted at the polling unit to confirm you are at the right location
4. Join the queue identified by electoral officials at your polling unit for males and females in an orderly manner
5. People with Disabilities are given preference at the polling unit on election day.
6. Use your PVC or other legal means of identification to carry out your identification
7. Receive your signed ballot paper from the polling officer and move to the moving cubicle to cast your vote
8. Apply indelible ink in the space provided beside the party logo or symbol of your choice
9. Wait a few seconds for the ink to dry and make sure your ink does not extend to another party’s box
10. Carefully fold your ballot paper and drop it inside the ballot box.
11. You may choose to return home after voting or wait in a convenient and safe space around the polling unit to monitor the vote count by the polling unit officials after voting is over.