PDP Withdraws from Ondo LG Poll, Hours Before Election, Questions ODIEC’s Credibility


The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has officially withdrawn from participating in the upcoming local government area (LGA) elections scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 2025. The party cited a lack of confidence in the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), accusing it of being incapable of conducting a free, fair, and credible election.

Bakita Bello, the acting chairman of the PDP in Ondo State, confirmed the party’s decision, stating that it was a result of multiple consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and the national leadership. The PDP had previously announced its participation in the polls, having fielded 15 chairmanship candidates and 131 councillorship candidates across the state.

In an official letter, signed by the party's Director of Media and Publicity, Leye Igbagbo, the PDP expressed serious concerns about ODIEC's transparency and impartiality. The party’s findings, according to Igbagbo, revealed a pattern of double standards in the electoral commission's conduct, which, the PDP claims, undermines the integrity of the election process.

“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 letter stated.

The PDP further emphasized that its decision to withdraw was made in the interest of upholding the integrity of the party and its commitment to a credible electoral process. The party assured its supporters that it would continue to fight for electoral reforms and the sanctity of democracy in Ondo State.

In response to the PDP’s withdrawal, Joseph Aremo, Chairman of ODIEC, expressed his dismay at the party’s decision, stating that the PDP had previously participated in several programs organized by the commission. Aremo noted that the party had publicly expressed confidence in ODIEC’s ability to conduct the elections, even commending the commission's efforts in workshops and other preparatory activities.

“I got that in the letter for the first time yesterday. But they have been attending our program and our workshop... Even online and in newspapers, they have been saying they have confidence in us,” Aremo said.

Despite the PDP's withdrawal, ODIEC remains committed to ensuring a smooth election process and has urged all other participating political parties to maintain their focus on the upcoming election. The commission continues to hold workshops and training sessions for all stakeholders to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.


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