The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has made a final decision to abstain from the upcoming local government elections, scheduled for December 2026. This announcement was made through a statement released by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare, in Ibadan on Thursday.
According to the APC, the planned election is both illegal and ill-conceived, describing it as a self-serving move by the state government. The party argues that proceeding with the election will only worsen the already challenging conditions at the grassroots level in Oyo State.
Sadare accused Governor Seyi Makinde of lacking genuine commitment to local government autonomy. He claimed that the governor’s intention is to install loyalists who will remain subservient even after he leaves office. The APC spokesperson further alleged that Makinde has misused the resources of all 33 local councils for over seven years, leaving residents eager for a change in May when he is expected to step down.
“The whole world knows that Gov. Makinde does not believe in local government autonomy,” Sadare stated. “When it comes to democracy at the grassroots, he cannot be trusted. He has exploited the funds of the 33 local councils for more than seven years, and the people are anxious for him to leave in May so the third tier of government can regain its freedom.”
He added that the governor is attempting to impose a new set of lackeys who would remain loyal to him beyond his tenure at Agodi Government House. Sadare emphasized that Makinde would not be able to achieve this after the 2027 general elections, which, in the party’s view, will strip him of all political power and influence.