The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced its withdrawal from the Ondo local government election slated for Saturday, citing concerns over the credibility of the state Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC). The information comes at a sensitive period with the Ondo local government election just 48 hours away.
The opposition party accused ODIEC of lacking transparency and expressed doubts about its ability to conduct a free and fair election. According to the party, participating in the election would amount to endorsing a compromised process.
Why PDP Pulled Out
Speaking on behalf of the party, Acting Chairman Bakita Bello confirmed the decision, emphasizing that the move followed extensive consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and the National Secretariat.
A statement signed by the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Leye Igbagbo, elaborated on the reasons for the withdrawal. According to the statement, PDP’s findings revealed a troubling pattern of double standards by ODIEC, making the electoral body unfit to oversee the process.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo State Chapter, has withdrawn from participating in the January 18, 2025, local government elections organised by the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC). This decision is a product of several layers of consultations of party leaders, stakeholders, and the National Secretariat of our great party,” the statement read.
The Stakes
The PDP had previously expressed its commitment to the election, fielding 15 chairmanship and 131 councillorship candidates across the state. However, this withdrawal marks a significant shift, reflecting the party’s lack of confidence in ODIEC’s impartiality.
“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 continued.
A Stand for Democracy
The PDP described its decision as a stance for democracy and the rule of law.
“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,” it concluded.
Bottom Line
The PDP’s withdrawal comes at a crucial time where election preparation is being finalized in Ondo state, raises critical questions about the credibility of Saturday’s local government election. The move is likely to generate significant political discourse and further scrutiny of ODIEC’s operations as the election approaches.
