The Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that it will not be participating in the Local Government (LG) elections that are scheduled for this Saturday.
The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) scheduled the LG elections in the state’s 18 local government areas for Saturday, January 18, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
This was said in a statement released to reporters in Akure on Thursday by Mr. Leye Igbabo, the state’s PDP Director of Media and Publicity.
“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 declaration claims that the PDP is dedicated to democracy and the rule of law as a responsible political party.
“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.
In addition, Dr. Bakitta Bello, the state’s PDP chairman, confirmed the party’s withdrawal from the polls during a phone interview with NAN.