The All Progressives Congress in Oyo State has announced its decision not to participate in the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for December 2026, describing the exercise as illegal, ill-conceived and designed to serve personal political interests.
The party made its position known in a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare.
According to the APC, the planned election would further deepen the challenges facing governance at the grassroots level, alleging that Governor Seyi Makinde has consistently demonstrated a lack of commitment to local government autonomy.
The opposition party accused the governor of exerting undue influence over the affairs and resources of the state’s 33 local government councils throughout his administration.
Sadare alleged that the move to conduct the election before the end of Makinde’s tenure was aimed at installing loyal political allies who would continue to advance the governor’s interests after he leaves office.
“The whole world knows that Governor Makinde does not believe in local government autonomy, and when it comes to democracy at the grassroots, he cannot be trusted,” the statement read.
The APC further claimed that residents of the state are eager to see the restoration of full independence to local governments once the current administration exits office in May 2027.
The party also argued that the governor’s influence would diminish following the 2027 general elections, making it difficult for him to shape the composition of local government leadership thereafter.
While reaffirming its decision to boycott the poll, the APC maintained that the planned election lacks legitimacy and does not reflect the principles of democratic governance at the grassroots level.
The Oyo State Government is yet to officially respond to the allegations raised by the opposition party.
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