The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State has rejected the results of Saturday’s local government elections, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating widespread electoral malpractice.
The Chairman of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), Dr. Joseph Aremo, announced on Sunday that the APC had swept all chairmanship and councillorship seats in the state’s 18 local government areas. However, the SDP Chairman, Mr. Gbenga Akinbuli, described the exercise as fraudulent and called for its cancellation.
In a statement on Monday, Akinbuli alleged that the election was marred by ballot stuffing, non-provision of critical electoral forms, and intimidation of opposition members.
“The ruling All Progressives Congress manipulated the exercise, which the good people of the state know was a massive selection, not an election,” Akinbuli said.
He further claimed that ODIEC officials in Odigbo and Ile Oluji towns disregarded proper electoral procedures, with some results allegedly written on plain sheets of paper.
Akinbuli also accused the Nigeria Police Force of aiding the alleged malpractice. He claimed police officers in Ore Division enabled thuggery by APC supporters and arrested SDP candidates who resisted the actions.
“We have video evidence showing a police officer allegedly supervising the harassment of our chairmanship candidate in Odigbo, Mr. Jimmy Akiyan,” Akinbuli said.
The SDP leader criticised the shortage of security personnel, alleging that it created an environment conducive to voter intimidation and manipulation. He called on the Inspector General of Police to investigate the allegations.
In response, the Ondo State APC Chairman, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, dismissed the SDP’s claims, describing the election as peaceful and credible.
“The election was peaceful, free, and fair. Anybody saying otherwise is just making noise to be heard,” Adetimehin said.
He commended ODIEC and other stakeholders for conducting what he described as one of the most organised elections in the state’s history.
“You were on the field that day. Where did you see any form of manipulation? The process was well organised, and I commend everyone involved for a job well done,” Adetimehin added.
The local government elections in Ondo State have sparked controversy, with stakeholders divided over the credibility of the exercise. Observers now await further developments as the SDP demands an investigation into its claims.
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