Ahead of today’s local government election in Ondo State, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has withdrawn from participating in the election.
Its Director of Media and Publicity, Leye Igbabo, in a statement, said: “The decision is a product of several layers of consultation 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, Ondo Independent Electoral Commission ODIEC, have failed the integrity test.
“Recent observations and reports point to a troubling pattern of double standards by ODIEC, raising serious doubt about their ability to conduct 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.”
But the party’s chairmanship candidate in Akure South, Tuyi Adekambi and the councillors have kicked against the withdrawal of the party in the contest.
Adekambi said: “The decision to boycott the election is an aberration, an infringement of our rights and a disservice to democracy.”
Meanwhile, the state police command has restricted movement during the election.
The command’s spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami, said the restriction is between 6am and 4pm.
Odunlami said: “Ahead of the forthcoming local government election in the State slated for January 18. The Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, has announced restriction of vehicular and motorcycle movement within the period of 0600hrs – 1600hrs on the said date for security reasons.”
Speaking on the election, the Chairman of ODIEC, Dr Joseph Aremo, said 12 political parties are participating in the election after PDP’s withdrawal.
Aremo said: “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 jeopardise the interest of other participating parties or the people they represent. Our priority remains to conduct a credible, free and fair election.”
