The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has officially announced its withdrawal from the local government council elections scheduled for January 18, 2025. The decision, confirmed in a statement by the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Leye Igbabo, stems from doubts about the credibility of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC).
According to Igbabo, the decision to boycott the election followed extensive consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and the national secretariat of the PDP. While the party initially fielded 15 chairmanship candidates across 15 local government areas and 131 councillorship candidates, concerns about ODIEC’s impartiality and transparency ultimately led to the withdrawal.
“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,” Igbabo stated.
The PDP emphasized its commitment to credible electoral practices and expressed that participation in a flawed process would undermine its integrity.
ODIEC’s Position
ODIEC had earlier cleared 13 political parties, including the PDP, to participate in the Ondo local government elections. However, the PDP’s allegations challenge the commission’s credibility and its readiness to ensure a fair playing field for all contestants.
PDP’s Commitment to Electoral Reforms
The party’s withdrawal aligns with its broader goal of sanitizing the electoral process in Ondo State. “We cannot, in good conscience, confer legitimacy on a compromised process by participating in the election,” Igbabo affirmed.
The PDP’s decision to pull out of the January 18 council elections highlights growing concerns about the state’s electoral integrity. As other parties prepare for the polls, the absence of a major opposition party like the PDP could significantly impact voter turnout and election outcomes.
The spotlight now turns to ODIEC to address these allegations and reassure the public of its commitment to impartiality in the electoral process.
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