Ondo State’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said on Thursday that it will not contest in the local government council elections scheduled for January 18, citing credibility concerns.
The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission screened 13 political parties, including the PDP, for participation in the council elections. However, with the PDP’s withdrawal, 12 parties remain in the race.
Leye Igbabo, the state’s PDP Director of Media and Publicity, made the announcement in a statement.
He stated that the party made the decision following “wide” consultations with stakeholders and that the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) cannot be trusted to conduct a free and fair election.
“This decision is a product of several layers of consultations of party leaders, stakeholders, and the national secretariat of our great party,” the statement reads.
“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 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.”
Igbabo believes that the PDP is committed to sanitizing the state’s electoral process.
