Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has expressed his profound disappointment over the outcome of the recently concluded local government elections in Kwara State, where candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC) were declared winners in all 16 local government areas. Saraki's statement reflects his belief that the chairmen and councillors who emerged from this election lack the legitimacy and mandate of the people.
This statement follows the announcement made by the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC), through its chairman, Baba Okanla, who declared that all APC candidates had won the elections for all 16 local government chairmanship positions, as well as all 193 councillorship seats. This sweeping victory for the ruling party has sparked reactions from various political figures, with Saraki being one of the most vocal.
Reacting to the development, Saraki took to his X handle on Wednesday to share his thoughts on the election results. He argued that the people of Kwara State had made it clear to the government that it has not brought any meaningful or positive change to their lives during its 64 months in office. According to Saraki, the overwhelming turnout and mobilization of citizens at polling units for Saturday’s election was a strong indicator of the people's determination to participate in the electoral process, only to be met with poor preparations and the absence of electoral officials.
The former governor of Kwara State emphasized that despite these obstacles, the people stood their ground and displayed resilience in the face of what he described as “deliberately concocted frustrations” aimed at suppressing their electoral rights. He hailed the citizens for their courage and commitment to ensuring their voices were heard, despite the numerous challenges they faced during the local government election.
In his post, Saraki wrote: “Last Saturday, in a manner that went beyond partisan consideration and gave expression to the protection of community interests, people from Kwara mobilised themselves to the polling units and met the absence of electoral officials and shoddy preparations by the electoral body.” This statement underscored his belief that the people’s will was not properly reflected in the election results announced by KWSIEC.
Saraki further criticized the current administration, stating that “Whatever results the electoral body eventually declared, our people have sent a clear signal to a government that has not made any significant, positive impact on their lives after 64 months in office.” His comments reflect the frustration many feel toward the government, particularly in terms of its inability to address key issues that affect the daily lives of Kwarans.
In concluding his statement, Saraki expressed his regret that all 16 local government areas in Kwara State are now governed by chairmen and councillors who lack both legitimacy and the mandate of the people. He described this situation as “a shame,” pointing to the disconnect between the government and the people it is supposed to serve. According to him, the results of the election fail to reflect the true will of the people, leaving the newly elected officials without the support of their constituents.