As Ondo State gears up for its local government elections on Saturday, the People’s Democratic Party has announced its withdrawal from the contest, citing concerns over the credibility of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission.
In a statement issued by the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Leye Igbabo, the PDP revealed that the decision was taken after extensive consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and the National Secretariat.
“The decision is a product of several layers of consultations of party leaders, stakeholders and the National Secretariat of our great party,” Igbabo said. He added, “Our party fielded 15 Chairmanship candidates in 15 Local Government Areas and 131 Councillorship candidates.
“But, from all indications, the Ondo Independent Electoral Commission, ODIEC’s, credibility, transparency, and impartiality have failed the integrity test.
“Recent observations and reports point to a troubling pattern of double standards by ODIEC, raising serious doubts about their ability to conduct a free, fair, and credible election.”
Igbabo explained that the PDP, as a party committed to democracy and the rule of law, could not support what it deemed a flawed process. “As a responsible political party committed to democracy and the rule of law, we can not, in good conscience, confer legitimacy on this compromised process by participating in the election.
“We have, therefore, resolved to withdraw our participation in this exercise to uphold the integrity of our party and our unwavering belief in credible electoral practices.”
Despite the party’s official withdrawal, Tuyi Adekambi, the PDP chairmanship candidate in Akure South, expressed dissatisfaction with the decision. Adekambi, along with some councillorship candidates, has opposed the party’s stance, describing it as unjust.
“The decision to boycott the election is an aberration, an infringement of our rights, and a disservice to democracy,” Adekambi declared, hinting at internal discord within the party over the controversial withdrawal.
In preparation for the election, the Ondo State Police Command has announced restrictions on vehicular and motorcycle movements. The spokesperson for the command, Funmi Odunlami, stated that the restrictions would be in place from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on election day.
Odunlami said: “Ahead of the forthcoming Local Government Election in the State slated for 18th of January, 2025, the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, has announced restriction of vehicular and motorcycle movements within the period of 0600hrs – 1600hrs on the said date for security reasons.”
Despite the PDP’s withdrawal, the chairman of ODIEC, Dr Joseph Aremo, expressed confidence in the integrity of the electoral process, noting that 12 political parties remain in the race.
Aremo said, “The PDP has been part of the process—screening candidates, submitting agents, and attending our workshops—the withdrawal of one party out of 13 will not undermine the electoral process.
“We cannot jeopardize the interests of the other participating parties or the people they represent. Our priority remains to conduct a credible, free, and fair election.”
The stage is now set for what promises to be a closely watched local government election in Ondo State, with stakeholders keenly observing how the PDP’s withdrawal and ODIEC’s assurances will impact the process.