The main opposition party in Ondo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that it will not be participating in Saturday’s Local Government elections in the state.
The party made this known in a statement signed by its Director of Publicity in the State, Leye Igbabo which revealed that the credibility of the state Independent Electoral Commission, ODIEC forced the party into making the decision.
It read “Ondo PDP Withdraws From Participating In The January 18th Local Government Elections.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo State Chapter, has withdrawn from participating in the January 18th, 2025 Local Government elections organised by the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC).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.
“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.
“As a responsible political party committed to democracy and the rule of law, we can not, in good conscience, confer legitimacy on this compromised process by participating in the election.
“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 election is set to proceed as planned in all eighteen local government areas of the state on Saturday.
