“PDP Pulls Out of Ondo LG Polls: Aiyedatiwa Responds with Strong Criticism”
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has harshly criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for its decision to withdraw from the ongoing local government elections in the state, calling the move “cowardly.” The PDP announced its withdrawal through a statement by Mr. Leye Igbagbo, the party’s Director of Media and Publicity in Ondo State, on Thursday.
Speaking after casting his vote at Polling Unit 5 in Ugbo Ward 4 of Ilaje Local Government Area on Saturday, Aiyedatiwa expressed surprise and disappointment at the party’s actions. He suggested that the PDP’s retreat might be driven by “the fear of losing,” given that the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) had properly released the election timetable on time and other political parties were actively participating.
“For PDP to pull out, that is cowardice,” Aiyedatiwa remarked. “They participated in the whole process. ODIEC released the timetable for the election on time, I don’t know the reason for that (withdrawal). Maybe the fear of losing. Every election has its own logistics and other political parties are participating. So, whatever reason that made them withdraw, I am not privy to that.”
Despite this, Aiyedatiwa emphasized the importance of the election as a significant step for the development of local governance, underscoring his administration’s dedication to ensuring the effective functioning of local governments in compliance with the law.
He also took the opportunity to commend ODIEC for the smooth conduct of the elections, which he described as free from crisis. The governor was pleased with the early arrival of election materials and the peaceful atmosphere, similar to the November 16 governorship election, which had been widely regarded as free and fair. “I just cast my vote without any crisis, this is just what happened on the Nov.16 governorship election which was adjudged to be free and fair,” he added.
The deputy governor of Ondo State, Mr. Olayide Adelami, also participated in the elections, voting at Igbooroko Unit 16, Ward 3 in Owo, Owo Local Government Area at 9:45 a.m. He praised the strong voter turnout and encouraged the electorate to vote massively for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Despite the PDP’s withdrawal, the Ondo elections continued as planned, with the administration and ODIEC working to ensure a smooth and transparent process.
