PDP Alleges Electoral Malpractice in Ondo Governorship Election, Demands Review of Idanre Results
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised strong objections to the results from Idanre Local Government Area in the ongoing Ondo State governorship election, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using violence to influence the outcome.
Laniyi Ogundiji, the PDP’s state collation agent, alleged that elections did not take place in the Ofosu/Onisere ward of Idanre LGA due to armed thugs disrupting voting and forcing party agents to flee. Ogundiji also claimed that ballot boxes were snatched in several polling units within the ward.
Contested Results
The official results for Idanre LGA, as presented by Benjamin Dauda from the Federal University Lokoja, showed the APC narrowly defeating the PDP by a margin of 174 votes. The APC secured 9,114 votes, while the PDP garnered 8,940.
However, Ogundiji contested these figures, asserting that the results from Ofosu/Onisere ward were fabricated.
“With due respect to the Idanre Local Government result, in Ofosu/Onisere ward, there was no election. Reports reaching us indicate that all our agents were chased away. The presiding officers were forced to simply write the results,” Ogundiji said.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to expunge the votes from the affected ward from the overall results for Idanre LGA.
INEC’s Response
Responding to the allegations, the returning officer for the election, Olayemi Akinwumi, acknowledged the complaint and assured that it would be noted for further review.
Election Dynamics
With 17 political parties participating in the election, the race has largely narrowed down to two contenders: the incumbent Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC, and the former Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi of the PDP.
Significance of Idanre Dispute
The dispute over Idanre LGA adds to the tension surrounding the election, with both major parties seeking to secure every available vote. Governor Aiyedatiwa is currently leading in the statewide results, but the PDP’s objections signal potential legal challenges that may follow the declaration of final results.
INEC is expected to address the complaints as the collation process continues.