The Local Government elections in Ondo State will have to proceed without the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
As we speak, the party has announced its withdrawal from the elections.
You see, that election is scheduled for Saturday, January 18, and will be held across the state’s 18 local government areas.
This decision was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Akure by the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Leye Igbabo.
According to the statement, the withdrawal followed extensive consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and the national secretariat of the PDP.
The statement highlighted significant concerns regarding the credibility and impartiality of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC).
Integrity Test
“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,” the statement partly read.
Meanwhile, the PDP accused ODIEC of failing the integrity test, prompting the party to withdraw from the electoral process to maintain its commitment to democracy and credible elections.
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However, describing the decision as a principled stand, the PDP emphasised that participating in a compromised process would undermine the party’s values.
A Compromised 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.
“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,” the statement added.
Furthermore, the party reassured its supporters and the people of Ondo State of its continued dedication to sanitizing the electoral process and fostering transparency in governance.
Meanwhile, the PDP Chairman in Ondo State, Bakitta Bello, affirmed the party’s decision to pull out of the elections.
