From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has announced its decision to boycott the January 18 local government election in the state.
The PDP, in a statement signed by its Director of Media, Mr Leye Igbagbo, said, “This decision is a product of several layers of consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and the National Secretariat of our great party.
“Our party fielded 15 Chairmanship candidates in 15 Local Government Areas and 131 Councillorship candidates. But, from all indications, the credibility, transparency, and impartiality of the electoral body have failed the integrity test.
“Recent observations and reports point to a troubling pattern of double standards by ODIEC, raising serious doubts about their ability to conduct a free, fair, and credible election.
“As a responsible political party committed to democracy and the rule of law, we cannot, in good conscience, confer legitimacy on this compromised process by participating in the election.
“We have, therefore, resolved to withdraw our participation in this exercise to uphold the integrity of our party and our unwavering belief in credible electoral practices.
“We further assure our teeming supporters and the good people of Ondo State that our commitment to sanitising the electoral process is irrevocable,” he added.