Senator Yayi accuses Governor Dapo Abiodun of imposing candidates in Ogun State local government elections, calling for local government autonomy.

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]enator Adeola Olamilekan, popularly known as Senator Yayi, has criticised Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for allegedly imposing candidates for the upcoming local government elections.

He claims that candidates were handpicked based on loyalty rather than merit, raising concerns about the fairness of the electoral process.

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The senator stressed the importance of local government autonomy and transparency, warning that state interference undermines grassroots democracy.

Representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Yayi accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of undemocratic practices, particularly the imposition of candidates.

In his statement, Yayi alleged that all 20 chairmanship candidates and 236 ward councillor nominees for the upcoming polls were selected based on their loyalty to Governor Abiodun, without proper primaries.

These candidates, all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), were reportedly required to swear oaths of loyalty to the governor at Mitros Hall, Abeokuta, and were asked to submit pre-signed resignation letters.

Yayi expressed frustration at the exclusion of legitimate party members tied to influential political figures, including himself and former governors.

He described the imposition as a dangerous move for local governance and called for transparency in the electoral process.

The senator’s remarks come amid broader concerns about the lack of local government autonomy in Nigeria.

The practice of state governors exerting control over local elections has been criticised for stifling grassroots democracy and hindering development.

Senator Yayi argued that when state governments control local elections, local officials become more loyal to the governor than to the electorate.