The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has withdrawn from the upcoming local government elections in Ondo State, scheduled to take place within the next two days.
PDP’s sudden decision to pull out of the election is based on its allegations of a lack of transparency and credibility in the preparations by the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC).
The election, scheduled for Saturday, January 18 2025, was to feature candidates from at least ten political parties. However, the PDP’s acting chairman in the state, Bakita Bello, disclosed on Thursday that the party had formally notified ODIEC of its decision to boycott the election.
“It’s our decision to announce that we (PDP) has decided not to participate in the local government election. We have also informed ODIEC in writing about this development,” Bello told Journalists in Akure.
A letter signed by the Party’s Director of Media and Publicity in the state, Leye Igbagbo, stated:
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo State Chapter, has withdrawn from participating in the January 18th, 2025, local government elections organised by the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC). This decision is a product of several layers of consultations of party leaders, stakeholders,, and the National Secretariat of our great party.
“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.
“As a responsible political party committed to democracy and the rule of law, we cannot, in good conscience, confer legitimacy on this compromised process by participating in the election.”
The PDP’s decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and the national secretariat.
Igbabo, revealed that despite initially fielding 15 chairmanship and 131 councillorship candidates, the party resolved to withdraw due to ODIEC’s alleged failure to meet integrity standards.
Reacting to the development, ODIEC Chairman Joseph Aremo expressed surprise at the PDP’s decision, noting that the party had actively participated in preparatory activities, including workshops and seminars. Aremo maintained that ODIEC had provided a level playing field for all participants.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command announced restrictions on vehicular movements during the election from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm. Commissioner of Police Wilfred Afolabi assured residents of adequate security measures, warning against any attempts to disrupt the process.
Eligible voters were urged to adhere to electoral guidelines while exercising their civic duties.
