PDP Condemns Ondo Election Outcome, Accuses APC of Manipulation

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sharply criticized the November 16, 2024, Ondo State governorship election, claiming it was one of the most flawed elections conducted by Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The PDP’s condemnation follows INEC’s declaration of Lucky Ayedatiwa, the candidate from the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner with a significant lead. According to official results, Ayedatiwa secured a sweeping victory, winning all 18 Local Government Areas with a total of 366,781 votes, while the PDP’s Agboola Ajayi received 117,845 votes.

In an official statement, the PDP expressed deep disappointment with the conduct of the election, alleging that the process was riddled with irregularities. The party accused the APC of leveraging its position to manipulate results through various means, including widespread vote-buying. “This election witnessed rampant election merchandising, monetization, and vote-buying by the APC and its apparatus in government, effectively suppressing the genuine aspirations of the people,” read part of the statement.

Allegations of Vote-Buying and Manipulation

The PDP claims that the election was marred by unprecedented levels of vote-buying and voter manipulation. According to the PDP, the APC, in conjunction with state machinery, weaponized poverty by capitalizing on the economic hardships faced by Nigerians to coerce votes. The opposition party argues that the ruling APC’s tactics undermined the democratic process and betrayed the citizens’ trust, calling the election a “sham.”

“This devious practice by the APC was pervasive, as they used the impoverished state of Nigerians as a weapon of mass subjugation,” the PDP alleged. The party has called for national and international attention to be directed at these tactics, warning that unchecked electoral malpractice could further destabilize Nigeria’s democratic framework.

INEC’s Role and Concerns Over Credibility

The PDP also took aim at INEC, accusing it of failing to uphold its responsibility to conduct a free, fair, and transparent election. The opposition party noted that the credibility of INEC has been severely compromised in the eyes of Nigerians. In its statement, the PDP described the 2024 Ondo governorship election as the worst yet, expressing regret that INEC’s oversight did not prevent or penalize electoral malpractice.

Political analysts have weighed in, with some attributing the issues surrounding this election to broader structural challenges within INEC. According to the PDP, a full review of INEC’s processes and potential reforms are needed to restore public trust and guarantee the integrity of future elections. The party has insisted that the election fell short of the standards required in a democratic process and has vowed to take action to protect Nigeria’s democratic values.

PDP’s Next Steps: Reviewing the Election and Seeking Redress

Following the disputed election results, the PDP announced that its National Working Committee (NWC) will conduct an in-depth review of the election process and take necessary steps to seek redress. The PDP has not ruled out legal action and has called on supporters to remain vigilant as they challenge the legitimacy of the APC’s victory. The party reiterated its commitment to defending democracy and holding both the APC and INEC accountable for what it termed as “brazen electoral fraud.”

The PDP’s statement concluded with an appeal to international observers and human rights organizations to closely monitor the situation and address potential violations. As Nigeria gears up for future elections, the Peoples Democratic Party’s challenge in Ondo is expected to spotlight the growing demand for transparency and fairness in the nation’s electoral Expectedly the Peoples Democratic Party outcry is premises on the poor political culture of non acceptability of a winner in an election.