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 extensive electoral manipulation. On Sunday, Dr. Joseph Aremo, Chairman of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, declared that the APC had secured victory in all chairmanship and councillorship positions across the 18 local government areas of the state.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State, Mr. Gbenga Akinbuli, condemned the local government election, describing it as fraudulent. He cited incidents of ballot stuffing, the absence of essential electoral forms, and the intimidation of opposition members.
Akinbuli stated, “The ruling All Progressives Congress manipulated the process, which the people of the state clearly recognize as a massive selection, not a genuine election.”
He described the election as lacking credibility and demanded its immediate cancellation. Akinbuli accused officials of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) in Odigbo and Ile Oluji of ignoring standard electoral procedures, alleging that results were written on plain sheets of paper.
“The election should be annulled due to its lack of credibility, the non-provision of Form ECA, incidents of ballot stuffing, and the biased conduct of security personnel,” Akinbuli stated.
The SDP accused security agencies, particularly the police, of complicity in electoral malpractice. Akinbuli claimed police officers in Ore Division enabled thuggery by APC supporters and arrested SDP candidates who resisted. He alleged a police officer supervised the harassment of the SDP chairmanship candidate in Odigbo, and called on the Inspector General of Police to investigate. Akinbuli also criticized the shortage of security personnel, which he said allowed voter intimidation and manipulation.
In a prompt reaction, 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.
He said, “The election was peaceful, free, and fair. Anyone claiming otherwise is merely seeking attention.”
He praised the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) and other stakeholders for their efforts, stating, “You were on the field that day. Where did you witness any form of manipulation? The process was well-organized, and I commend everyone involved for a job well done.”