Candidates protest PDP’s withdrawal from Ondo LG poll

Some Peoples Democratic Party candidates for the local government elections in Ondo State have opposed the PDP’s withdrawal from the LG race.

The PDP on Thursday announced its withdrawal from Saturday’s LG polls citing a lack of confidence in the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission.

In a statement, the Director of Media and Publicity, Leye Igbabo, said, “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.”

In reaction, the chairmanship candidate of the PDP for Akure South LGA, Tuyi Adelami and other councillorship candidates in the LG, condemned the action of their party, saying they were not properly consulted on the decision.

Adelami, who spoke on behalf of himself and the councillorship candidates in the council, described the action of the party as infringement of their rights.

He said, “As aspirants, we believe in the responsibility to participate and expressed our willingness to proceed. The state chairman, Bakita Bello, granted us the go-ahead. We started our preparations, even without substantial support from the party. We printed posters, held meetings, and engaged in community sensitisation campaigns to win our voters under the PDP banner.

“However, there were rumors over the past week that the PDP might boycott the elections. Despite reassurances from the state chairman, who encouraged us to proceed, a letter was sent to ODIEC last night declaring that the PDP was officially withdrawing from the elections. This decision was made without consulting us, the aspirants, which we consider an infringement on our rights.

“We invested heavily, both financially and emotionally, in this process. We paid for forms, followed all procedures, and dedicated ourselves to this election. Elections are costly, even at the local government level, and we have spent significant resources campaigning and engaging with the community.

“For the party to withdraw just 72 hours before the election is a betrayal, not only to us as candidates but also to the people of Akure South, who have supported us. We believe we have a strong chance of winning, with nearly 85 per cent support from the electorate. The decision to boycott the election is an aberration, an infringement of our rights, and a disservice to democracy.”

Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress said the PDP’s withdrawal from the race was a clear indication of its lack of confidence to participate in a free and fair electoral process.

The party’s Director of Media and Publicity of the party, Steve Otaloro, said, “We are not surprised by the PDP’s withdrawal as it is consistent with their recent pattern of behaviour. The APC is committed to participating in the elections and is confident that our candidates will emerge victorious.”

Elections will hold – ODIEC

On its part, the electoral body, ODIEC, said the PDP’s withdrawal would have no negative effect on the elections.

ODIEC Chairman, Dr Joseph Aremo, denied the allegation of being compromised, insisting that the electoral body had been transparent and fair to all the parties.

He said, “No candidate can contest any position as far as the election is concerned if it’s not sponsored by a political party. For us, what we have done is to create a template where every party has the ability to showcase whatever it has. Now, they (PDP) have been part and parcel of the process. They have candidates and their candidates appear for screening. We verified their particulars.

“Even they came two days ago to submit a list of their agents. But like I said, it’s all about party, because if we don’t have a party participating, we can’t conduct an election. Now, until yesterday I got a letter saying that they are withdrawing from the process, if a party out of 13 is withdrawing, are we going to jeopardise the interests of other people?

“With the meeting we have had, with all the strategies I have put in place, I can assure you that the election is going to be seamless and peaceful.”

Govt declares work-free day

The Ondo State Government has declared Friday, January 17, 2025, a work-free day ahead the polls on Saturday.

This was stated in a statement issued by Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, on Thursday.

The statement read, “The Ondo State Government has declared Friday, January 17, 2025, as a work-free day for public servants in the state to enable them to travel to their various communities to exercise their civic responsibilities.

“Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa urges all stakeholders to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful local government election across the state.”