The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has raised serious concerns over the results of the local government elections held on Saturday, as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious across all 16 local government areas and 193 wards.

Alhaji Mohammed Baba-Okanla, Chairman of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC), announced on Sunday that the APC won both the chairmanship and councillorship positions in the elections. This result sparked a protest from the PDP, who gathered outside the KWASIEC office in Ilorin, condemning the election process and alleging foul play.

PDP members, carrying placards with messages such as “Kwara people say no to continuation of bad governance led by APC” and “KWASIEC robbed PDP in Kwara LG elections,” expressed their anger at what they described as rigged election results. The protesters claimed that the electoral body had manipulated the results in favor of the APC.

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Former commissioner Hajia Saratu Adebayo, who led the protest, accused KWASIEC of tampering with the results. “The PDP won the chairmanship election in all 16 local government areas, but KWASIEC awarded the victories to the APC,” she stated. Adebayo further called on KWASIEC to rectify the situation, noting that while the PDP is peace-loving, they cannot overlook this injustice.

On the other hand, the APC commended the people of Kwara for their overwhelming support. Prince Sunday Fagbemi, the party’s chairman, expressed gratitude for the large voter turnout and peaceful conduct during the election. In a statement, the APC highlighted their strong performance in the elections and dismissed the PDP’s allegations, calling their protests a failed attempt to disrupt the democratic process.

“We thank the people of Kwara State for their continued support and confidence in the APC. Despite opposition efforts to disrupt the election in areas like Offa, the electorate remained steadfast, resisting these tactics and ensuring a smooth voting process,” the statement read.

The APC also praised KWASIEC for their impartial handling of the election, addressing logistical issues, and ensuring the elections proceeded fairly.

This electoral outcome and the subsequent protests have intensified political tensions in Kwara State, with both parties standing firm in their positions. As the controversy unfolds, the PDP continues to push for what they describe as “the rightful outcome” of the elections.