SHOCKER! ! PDP Withdraws From Ondo LG Poll Hours To Election
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has announced its withdrawal from the Local Government elections slated for Saturday, January 18, across the state’ s 18 local government areas. The decision was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Akure by the party’ s Director of Media and Publicity, Leye Igbabo.
The statement explained that the withdrawal followed extensive consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and the PDP’ s national secretariat. The party expressed concerns over the credibility and impartiality of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC).
” This decision is the result of extensive consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and the national leadership of our party, ” the statement read.
The PDP revealed that it had initially fielded candidates for 15 chairmanship positions across 15 local government areas and 131 councillorship positions. However, doubts regarding ODIEC’ s transparency led to the decision to withdraw.
” Reports and observations indicate troubling double standards by ODIEC, raising serious doubts about their ability to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. The commission has failed the integrity test, ” the statement noted.
The PDP criticized ODIEC for lacking the credibility required to oversee a fair electoral process. It stated that withdrawing from the elections was a matter of principle, aimed at upholding the party’ s values and commitment to credible elections.
” Our party cannot, in good conscience, legitimize a compromised process by participating. This withdrawal reflects our dedication to maintaining integrity and transparency in electoral practices, ” the statement added.
The PDP emphasized that participating in the election would undermine its commitment to democracy. It also reassured its supporters and the people of Ondo State of its determination to sanitize the electoral process and foster accountability in governance.
” We assure our supporters and the good people of Ondo State of our unwavering commitment to credible elections and improving the electoral process, ” the statement concluded.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), PDP Chairman in Ondo State, Bakitta Bello, confirmed the decision to withdraw. He reiterated that the party would not participate in a process that it deemed flawed and inconsistent with democratic principles.
The party’ s withdrawal underscores its dissatisfaction with the electoral body and its resolve to prioritize fairness and transparency in all electoral engagements.
