Kwara LG Polls: A Threat to Democracy – AbdulMumin Yinka Ajia

Dr. AbdulMumin Yinka Ajia, an erstwhile Chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress and former governorship candidate of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP) in Kwara during the 2019 general elections, has voiced his disappointment in the recent Local Government Elections, labelling the election process, “A Threat to Democracy”.

In a message made available to the press, the Associate Professor of Business Administration and university administrator, underscored the essence of Local Government elections towards the advancement of democratic principle and the development of the grassroot, bemoaning how the electoral body in the State undermined the will of the electorates.

The message reads in full:

“The recent Local Government Elections have left a sour taste in the mouths of many patriotic Kwara citizens, with widespread reports of irregularities and a lack of transparency. The very process that is meant to reflect the will of the people was marred by significant electoral malpractice and the erosion of trust in the electoral system. From voter suppression to poorly managed polling units, the LGA election fell short of the basic standards expected in a functioning democracy.

“One of the most glaring issues in the election was the unavailability of ballots, which disenfranchised eligible voters. This undermines the legitimacy of the election results and leaves communities feeling unrepresented. Local elections, which should be a vibrant expression of grassroots democracy, instead became a frustrating exercise for many.

“Moreover, the transparency of the electoral process was called into question by election observers, with reports of several irregularities. In several localities, election observers noted instances where ballots were tampered with, or election results were delayed without clear explanations. Such irregularities create a dangerous precedent, as they not only skew the outcomes but also weaken the faith citizens have in the entire democratic system. When elections become rigged spectacles rather than genuine contests of ideas, democracy suffers.

“Democracy, at its core, is a system where the people are supposed to have the power to choose their leaders and hold them accountable. This is especially important at the local level, where decisions made by elected officials directly impact the day-to-day lives of citizens. The local government is the closest form of governance to the people, dealing with essential services like waste management, local infrastructure, education, and healthcare. When this layer of government is compromised by flawed elections, it disconnects citizens from those who should be serving their interests.

“The importance of free and fair elections cannot be overstated. Elections are the cornerstone of democracy, providing citizens with the opportunity to express their political preferences and influence the direction of their communities. In a democratic society, every vote should count, and every citizen should feel that their voice matters. Unfortunately, the recent local elections have done little to inspire confidence in this fundamental right.

“Furthermore, the lack of accountability amongst self-imposed officials becomes more pronounced when elections are compromised. Leaders who come into office through questionable means often feel no need to prioritize the needs of their constituents. They become disconnected from the people they are meant to serve, focusing instead on serving their master while maintaining their grip on power through corrupt practices. This breeds further disillusionment with the democratic process and alienates citizens from meaningful participation in governance.

“Lastly, citizen participation is the lifeblood of democracy, but this participation is only meaningful when the electoral process is credible. When citizens feel that their votes do not matter, they are less likely to engage in future elections, leading to a decline in voter turnout and civic engagement. This creates a vicious cycle where poor governance leads to apathy, and apathy allows poor governance to continue unchecked. It is crucial to break this cycle if democracy is to thrive.

Let the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration be aware that Kwara will not trade one dynastic ambition for another – we will as a people defeat any hegemonic ambition of any individual no matter what.
“I hereby call on the people of Kwara to brace up for the days ahead by ensuring they demand accountability and transparency in how their finances would be managed by those who have been foisted on them by the ruling party through its agents in KWASIEC, as the battle lost in the polls can be checkmated via proper scrutiny of local government finances pending the time we would have the leaders of our choice who will be conscious of their responsibilities and accountabilities to us”

For a State that prides itself on democratic values and waged the Otoge war, this election underscored the deep-rooted problems that continue to plague our democracy and the need for citizens to be eternally vigilant. Therefore, in conclusion, the 2017 LGA elections that was manipulated by the then APC government under former Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed, which led to the beginning of the end of the former ruling hegemony, the blatant disregard for the people of Kwara that occurred on the 21st of September 2024 would also have similar consequences for the ruling regime.

 

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