The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has declared that it will not participate in the local government election scheduled for December 2026, describing the proposed poll as illegal, unnecessary, and politically motivated.
The party accused the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde of attempting to conduct another council election months before the tenure of the current chairmen and councillors expires.
The controversy followed the decision of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) to move the election date from January 2027 to December 26, 2026, after INEC released the timetable for the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC said it would not only boycott the election but also oppose any effort to proceed with the exercise.
“We will not stop at boycotting the planned poll but will join other patriots to prevent the waste of taxpayers’ money,” the party stated.
The opposition party alleged that the election was designed to install loyalists who would remain politically aligned with Governor Makinde after he leaves office in May 2027.
The APC also accused the state government of undermining local government autonomy and failing to allow councils operate independently.
According to the party, residents are expecting reforms that would strengthen grassroots governance rather than another election conducted before the expiration of the current administration at the local level.
The party further argued that resources earmarked for local governments should be used to address pressing challenges, including insecurity and development needs in rural communities.
APC maintained that it considers the planned election a “charade” and urged OYSIEC to halt preparations for the exercise.
The development sets the stage for a fresh political confrontation in Oyo State as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Source: Oyo State APC Statement Signed By Olawale Sadare.
