Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, has strongly condemned the ongoing local government elections, citing widespread irregularities and alleged attempts to manipulate the process. In a statement to reporters on Saturday, Bucknor-Akerele expressed deep concerns over the credibility of the election, accusing those in charge of planning to rig the polls in favour of a particular political party.
Bucknor-Akerele revealed that she personally experienced difficulties when she visited her polling unit to verify her registration. "When you get to your unit, they say they already have a list of names. I visited my polling unit, and my name was not on the list," she stated. This issue, she claimed, was not isolated, as several eligible voters were unable to locate their names on the voter register.
The former Deputy Governor also highlighted reports of disruptions at some polling centres and accused election officials of deliberately disenfranchising voters. "I am calling for the cancellation of this election because there is a deliberate and coordinated effort to rig it in favour of one party," Bucknor-Akerele asserted. Her call for cancellation underscores the growing concerns over the integrity of the electoral process in Lagos.
Bucknor-Akerele's concerns were echoed by other observers who reported irregularities across various polling units. "It's clear that the electoral body has failed to ensure a free and fair election," she said. "The people of Lagos deserve better. We deserve an electoral process that reflects the will of the people, not the interests of a select few."
The senator's call for cancellation has sparked a wave of reactions from various stakeholders, with many demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the electoral authorities will respond to the growing criticism.
In her statement, Bucknor-Akerele emphasized the need for electoral reform in Lagos, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process. "We need to ensure that our elections are credible and reflect the will of the people," she said. "Anything short of that undermines our democracy and the trust of the people in our institutions."
The outcome of this election, if not addressed, could have far-reaching implications for the political landscape of Lagos State. The people of Lagos are eagerly awaiting a response from the electoral authorities and a resolution to this crisis.
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