The Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State has officially announced its withdrawal from the upcoming local council elections, scheduled for January 18, 2025.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, ‘Leye Igbabo, on Thursday.
According to the statement, a formal letter of withdrawal has been submitted to the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, which is overseeing the elections.
The PDP’s decision to withdraw follows consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and the National Secretariat of the party. The statement expressed concerns over the credibility and impartiality of ODIEC, citing a pattern of alleged double standards and raising doubts about the commission’s ability to conduct a free and fair election.
The party had fielded 15 chairmanship candidates across local government areas and 131 councillorship candidates. However, it has now decided that participating in the election would legitimize a process it deems compromised. The PDP emphasized its commitment to democracy and credible electoral practices, vowing to continue efforts to reform the electoral process in the state.
The statement reassured supporters and the people of Ondo State that the party remains dedicated to ensuring electoral integrity.
“This decision is a product of several layers of consultations of party leaders, stakeholders and the National Secretariat of our great party.
“Our party fielded 15 Chairmanship Candidates in 15 Local Government Areas and 131 Councillorship Candidates. But, from all indications, 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.
“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.
“We further assure our teeming supporters and the good people of Ondo State, that our commitment to sanitise the Electoral process is irrevocable.”
