The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has withdrawn from the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, January 18. The elections, organized by the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), will take place across the state’s 18 local government areas.
In a statement released on Thursday in Akure, the PDP’s Director of Media and Publicity, Leye Igbabo, announced the decision, citing a lack of trust in the electoral commission’s credibility and impartiality. “This decision is a product of several layers of consultations of party leaders, stakeholders, and the national secretariat of our great party,” Igbabo said.
The PDP had initially fielded candidates for the elections, with 15 chairmanship contenders in 15 local government areas and 131 councillorship candidates. However, the party raised concerns about ODIEC’s integrity and ability to conduct a fair and transparent election.
“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,” the statement read.
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The party emphasized its commitment to democracy and the rule of law, stating that it could not legitimize what it described as a flawed process. “The party cannot, in good conscience, confer legitimacy on a compromised process by participating in the election. This withdrawal is in line with our stance on integrity,” Igbabo added.
The PDP assured its supporters and the people of Ondo State of its dedication to sanitizing the electoral process. “We have resolved to withdraw our participation in this exercise to uphold the integrity of our party and our unwavering belief in credible electoral practices,” the statement continued.
Confirming the decision, the PDP’s state chairman, Dr. Bakitta Bello, reiterated the party’s concerns about the electoral commission and its commitment to upholding democratic values.
The party’s withdrawal raises questions about the credibility of Saturday’s elections, with the PDP urging ODIEC to address allegations of bias and ensure transparency in future electoral processes.