The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission had (ODIEC) fixed Saturday, January 18 for the LG elections in the 18 local government areas of the state.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State says it has withdrawn from the Local Government elections slated for Saturday in the state.
The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission had (ODIEC) fixed Saturday, January 18 for the LG elections in the 18 local government areas of the state.
But in a statement made available to newsmen in Akure on Thursday, by Leye Igbabo, the PDP Director of Media and Publicity in the state, the party said it has withdrawn from the elections.
“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,” the statement read.
The PDP described itself as a responsible political party that is committed to democracy and the rule of law.
“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.
“We further assure our teeming supporters, and the good people of Ondo State, that our commitment to sanitise the electoral process is irrevocable,” the statement read.
Also, according to the News Agency of Nigeria, the PDP Chairman in the state, Dr Bakitta Bello, confirmed the party’s withdrawal from the elections to the news agency on the phone.
