Protest votes against Dapo Abiodun will lead to Elegbeji’s loss on August 16 as voters cite poor performance and corruption in Remoland

Protest votes against Dapo Abiodun played a decisive role in the electoral loss of Elegbeji on the bye-election to take place August 16, according to sampled public sentiment in Remoland.

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Many voters reportedly turned out not to support a rival candidate—but to reject Governor Abiodun’s leadership, which they described as unremarkable and riddled with corruption.

Citizens accused the governor of abandoning Remoland in his nearly eight years in office, contrasting his performance sharply with that of former Governor Gbenga Daniel (OGD).

While Daniel is remembered for major developmental projects like the Gateway Polytechnic Saapade, the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, the international market, OOUTH, and initiating the Agro Cargo Airport, voters say Abiodun has added no new value to the region.

“All those projects that OGD did came with statutory approvals and community benefits,” one voter stated. “Since Abiodun came, there has been nothing—just propaganda and secrecy.”

A major point of frustration is the lack of transparency in contract awards. Residents allege that for six years, no contract sum has been disclosed to the public, and all major state projects have been shrouded in secrecy.

“Under OGD, at least you’d see locals supplying materials and getting jobs through direct labour,” another voter added. “Now, our votes have been turned into procurement orders with zero benefit to the people.”

The electorate has also voiced anger over the economic exclusion of citizens, accusing the Abiodun administration of treating the people as mere political pawns, only useful during election cycles.

Although some admitted they’d take handouts from politicians, they made it clear their votes were a statement of disapproval.

“A vote for Elegbeji is a vote for Abiodun,” a community elder said bluntly. “And we’ve decided to make a bold statement—we reject him and all he represents.”

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This sentiment, deeply rooted in anger and unmet expectations, ultimately cost Elegbeji at the polls—transforming a local election into a referendum on Dapo Abiodun’s tenure.