PDP withdraws from Ondo LG poll, questions electoral transparency

The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has announced its withdrawal from the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 2025.

The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission had earlier screened 13 political parties, including the PDP, to participate in the council polls.

However, the PDP’s withdrawal leaves 12 parties in the race.

In a statement released on Thursday by the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Leye Igbabo, the PDP expressed a lack of confidence in the credibility of the electoral process.

The statement was titled, “Ondo PDP Withdraws from Participating in the January 18th Local Government Election.”

According to the statement, the PDP’s decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and the National Secretariat.

“The Peoples Democratic Party, Ondo State Chapter, has withdrawn from participating in the 18 January 2025 Local Government elections organised by the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC),” the statement read.

The party cited concerns about ODIEC’s credibility, alleging double standards and a lack of transparency in the electoral process.

“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 added.

The party further stated that participating in what it described as a compromised process would undermine its commitment to democracy and credible elections.

“As a responsible political party committed to democracy and the rule of law, we cannot, 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,” the statement noted.