The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the outcome of the Ondo State governorship election, where the incumbent governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was declared the winner.
Aiyedatiwa swept all 18 local government areas, amassing 366,781 votes, while his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the PDP, secured 117,845 votes, according to results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after Saturday’s polls.
In a statement issued on Sunday, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba criticized the election process, describing it as deeply flawed and far from meeting the standards of a free, fair, and credible election.
“This election marks a new low in Nigeria’s democratic journey. It was marred by glaring irregularities orchestrated under the watch of INEC,” Ologunagba stated.
The PDP accused the APC of employing unethical tactics to manipulate the election, including vote buying, financial inducements, and voter suppression.
“The process was riddled with blatant vote trading, monetized campaigning, and outright disenfranchisement of voters,” Ologunagba alleged, adding that the PDP is evaluating its next course of action to challenge the results.
The party also called on Nigerians and the international community to intervene to prevent further erosion of democratic principles in the country.
“The integrity of our electoral system is under threat. This situation demands urgent action to protect Nigeria’s democracy,” the statement concluded.
The PDP has vowed to pursue justice and hold all involved parties accountable to ensure that the will of the people prevails.
