Agboola Ajayi, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo, has expressed scepticism about the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) being able to conduct a fair election.
Ajayi made his remarks on Saturday after he voted at his polling station in Ese-Odo LGA. The former deputy governor criticised the commission’s efficiency, arguing that it is a calculated effort to manipulate the elections.
“The system has flaws, and things are not functioning properly,” Ajayi told the media. There are numerous complaints that INEC struggles to manage elections even in just one state.”
In a prior interview, Ajayi accused Oluwatoyin Babalola, the state’s resident electoral commissioner (REC), of meeting with Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the current governor and the APC chairman.
“We can’t place our trust in you. The system is tainted, and there are widespread complaints about vote buying, with the BVAs also malfunctioning. It’s quite disgraceful.
“Nigerians should urge the chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to resign if he cannot fulfil his responsibilities. This is truly embarrassing disheartening, and Nigerians are dissatisfied.” He said.
Ajayi also criticised the presence of armed military personnel. According to the PDP candidate, their closeness “intimidated voters.”
Ajayi served as deputy governor from 2017 to 2021 and is now competing against Lucky Aiyedatiwa and 15 other candidates.
