Ondo LG Polls: PDP Pulls Out Ahead Saturday’s Election

By Femi Ogundele

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has withdrawn from Ondo State local government elections slated for Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Ondo PDP Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Leye Igbabo disclosed this in a statement made available to FactualTimes.

The party raised serious allegations against the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC).

The PDP accused ODIEC of lacking the transparency, impartiality, and fairness necessary to conduct a credible election.

“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, raising serious doubts about their ability to conduct a free, fair, and credible election.”

Initially, the PDP had fully prepared to participate in the elections, fielding Chairmanship and councillor ship candidates across 15 local government areas and 131 wards.

According to Igbabo,  after extensive consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and its National Secretariat, the party resolved to step aside from the electoral process.

The PDP said its withdrawal as a principled stance, aimed at preserving democratic values.

“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,” the statement emphasized.

FactualTimes reports that 12 political parties including ruling All Progressives Congress will now participate in Ondo State local government elections.