A journalist with Fresh FM, Abeokuta, Emmanuel Oke, has publicly apologized to Ogun State residents following what he termed a “shambolic” local government election held recently.
Taking to his social media handle, Oke expressed regret over urging citizens to participate in the election, believing it would be credible, free, and fair.
Oke, who had earlier mobilized voters to turn out en masse, shared his disappointment at the poor organization and outcome of the electoral process.
Despite this setback, he reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for active civic participation, emphasizing his hope for a future where the electoral system would improve.
In a heartfelt statement, Oke said:
“This morning, I want to apologize to our listeners. I say my heartfelt apologies from the bottom of my heart to every citizen of Ogun State.
“I apologize for raising your hopes. Between August 8 and November 16, I raised your hopes of a credible local government election.
“I lent my voice. I asked you to come out en masse to vote for the candidate of your choice. You listened to me. You came out.
“But most of you could not vote. You endured the trek, thirst, and harsh weather. You waited for election materials and officials until your body and soul grew weary. And you endured again the agonizing trek back home with a dash of hope and unfulfilled purpose.”
Oke questioned the poor execution of the election, lamenting the disenfranchisement faced by many voters.
He said: “Now, I honestly don’t know whether you were intentionally disenfranchised or if the elections were poorly planned. I also cannot honestly say whether you were disenfranchised by the high and mighty eventual winners of the botched process or by the electoral body.
“With the financial autonomy granted to local governments, I raised your hopes of being part of the process of selecting your leaders.
“I apologize not because I was responsible for what happened on Saturday, but because I asked you to come out and you did. I apologize because no one else will apologize to you.”
Despite the challenges, Oke assured Ogun citizens that he remains steadfast in his belief in democracy.
“I also apologize because, by the next elections, local or general, I will ask you to come out again, even though your hopes might be dashed again.
“I apologize because I won’t give up. We will keep trying. We will keep repeating the cycle until we get it right and pass a working system to the next generation. Please accept my apology this morning.”
