The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced its intention to challenge the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the recently concluded Ondo State gubernatorial elections. In a statement released on Tuesday by Ayo Fadaka, the Special Adviser to PDP’s candidate Agboola Ajayi, the party alleged widespread irregularities and electoral malpractice.
According to the PDP, the electoral process was compromised, undermining the democratic will of the people. The party accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of failing in its mandate to ensure free and fair elections, stating that “democracy cannot thrive in an environment where unabated criminality is perpetrated during an election.”
INEC Declares APC’s Aiyedatiwa Winner
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC was declared the winner of the election by INEC on Sunday. Aiyedatiwa secured a total of 366,781 votes, significantly outpacing Agboola Ajayi of the PDP, who garnered 117,845 votes.
Legal Action as a Response
The PDP has rejected the election results outright and plans to take legal action as the “only option available” to reverse what it describes as a “stolen mandate.” The statement expressed confidence in both the judicial process and divine justice, asserting that “man and God, who is the ultimate, will give us justice.”
Bottom Line
The Ondo gubernatorial election has sparked a political and legal battle, with the PDP questioning the credibility of the electoral process. As the case moves to the courts, the outcome will be pivotal in shaping the state’s political landscape and the broader perception of Nigeria’s electoral integrity.
