The Social Democratic Party in Ondo State has rejected the outcome of Saturday’s local government elections, alleging widespread manipulation by the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Chairman of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, Dr. Joseph Aremo, announced yesterday that the APC won all chairmanship and councillorship positions across the state’s 18 local government areas, reports The PUNCH.
However, in a statement today, the SDP Chairman in the state, Mr Gbenga Akinbuli, decried the election as fraudulent, citing 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 described the poll as lacking credibility and called for its immediate cancellation.
Akinbuli alleged that ODIEC officials in Odigbo and Ile Oluji towns disregarded proper electoral procedures, with results allegedly written on plain sheets of paper.
“The election should be cancelled based on the lack of credibility, non-provision of Form ECA, ballot stuffing, and the biased conduct of security personnel,” he said.
The SDP also accused security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, of complicity in the alleged electoral malpractice.
Akinbuli claimed that police officers in Ore Division actively enabled thuggery by APC supporters and arrested SDP candidates who resisted 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, calling on the Inspector General of Police to investigate.
He further criticised the shortage of security personnel, which he claimed left room for voter intimidation and manipulation.
In a swift response, the Ondo State APC Chairman, Mr Ade Adetimehin, dismissed the allegations, describing the election as one of the most peaceful in the state’s history.
“The election was peaceful, free, and fair. Anybody saying otherwise is just making noise to be heard,” Adetimehin said.
He lauded ODIEC and other stakeholders for their efforts, adding, “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.”
