Ondo APC Declared Victorious in Local Elections, But SDP Cites Manipulation and Electoral Fraud
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State has vehemently rejected the results of Saturday’s local government elections, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of widespread manipulation throughout the voting process.
Dr. Joseph Aremo, Chairman of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), had announced on Sunday that the APC had won all chairmanship and councillorship positions across the state’s 18 local government areas. However, on Monday, Mr. Gbenga Akinbuli, the SDP Chairman in Ondo, condemned the election as fraudulent, citing numerous irregularities including ballot stuffing, the lack of essential electoral forms, and the intimidation of opposition members.
Akinbuli described the election as a “massive selection, not an election,” claiming that the ruling APC had manipulated the process. “The good people of the state know that this was a farce,” he added. The SDP leader called for the immediate cancellation of the election, pointing to several instances where he believed electoral procedures were violated.
Allegations of Electoral Malpractice and Police Complicity
The SDP’s complaints were focused on specific towns such as Odigbo and Ile Oluji, where they alleged that ODIEC officials had violated proper procedures, even resorting to writing results on plain sheets of paper. “This election should be cancelled based on the lack of credibility, non-provision of Form ECA, ballot stuffing, and biased security personnel conduct,” Akinbuli asserted.
In addition to alleging manipulation at the ballot boxes, Akinbuli also accused the Nigeria Police Force of complicity in the electoral malpractice. He claimed that police officers in the Ore Division allowed APC supporters to engage in thuggery while also arresting SDP candidates who attempted to resist such actions.
“We have video evidence showing a police officer allegedly supervising the harassment of our chairmanship candidate in Odigbo, Mr. Jimmy Akiyan,” Akinbuli alleged, urging the Inspector General of Police to investigate the claims. He also expressed concern over a shortage of security personnel, which he said enabled voter intimidation and further manipulation.
APC Responds: Election “One of the Most Peaceful” in Ondo’s History
In response to these allegations, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, the Chairman of the Ondo State APC, dismissed the claims, describing the election as “one of the most peaceful, free, and fair” in the state’s history. He criticized the SDP for what he called baseless accusations, asserting that anyone who claimed otherwise was merely “making noise to be heard.”
Adetimehin praised ODIEC and other stakeholders for their efforts, stating, “You were on the field that day. Where did you see any form of manipulation? The process was well-organized, and I commend everyone involved for a job well done.”
The controversy surrounding the Ondo local government elections continues to unfold as both parties dig in their positions, with the SDP demanding an investigation into the alleged malpractice and the APC standing by the results.
