Makinde Chides Absent Political Parties at LG Election

Governor Seyi Makinde has described the May 22 2021 Local government poll in the state as free and fair, and also chided the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political parties who failed to field candidates in the election.


Governor Makinde was speaking yesterday at the inauguration of the newly elected Chairmen of 32 local councils at the state Secretariat, Ibadan when he stated that the state Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) adhered to constitutional provisions in conducting the election and gave an equal opportunity for all political parties to field their chosen candidates.


He urged the newly elected Chairmen to allow the grassroots to feel the impact of their presence through citizen-based developmental programs and good governance, noting that they are expected to be in close contact with the people as they are their direct links to the State Government.



He also charged the council bosses to replicate current initiatives by his administration at the state level at their various local councils.


Makinde hinted that the state government will not tolerate any form of recklessness as council boss will be held accountable for the rights and wrongs in their domain.



“For the good people of Oyo State, you are the real winners in this process for you can rightly say that you have elected your representatives. The process was free and fair and in line with the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.”


“As you may know, the constitution only allows for the election of officials into the 33 local government areas of the state. Also, the constitution provides that all registered political parties who field candidates can stand to be elected. So, those that refused to field candidates, that is their problem.”

“Having allowed all parties to field candidates, the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission has conducted this election and have declared and given certificates of return to all the 32 candidates that are winners in the respective council areas,” Makinde said.


Stating that the inaugurated Chairmen were in for a three-year tenure, he also assured that no single person could terminate their tenure unless through a constitutional process.


“You have received power as the Chief Judge conducted your swearing-in and I approve of it, so no one can remove you. Even me as governor cannot remove you, it is now a constitutional process to remove you and you will use your three years completely,” he said.



Oyo State Chief Judge, Munta Ladipo administered the oath of office to the newly elected Chairmen who earlier in the day received their certificates of return from the Chairman, OYSIEC, Mr. Isiaka Olagunju.