The Peoples Democratic Party , PDP,  in Ondo State announced on Thursday that it will not be participating in the local government council elections scheduled for January 18.

The decision was disclosed in a statement by the party’s Director of Media and Publicity in the state, Leye Igbabo.

The party’s withdrawal follows extensive consultations with its leaders, stakeholders, and the national secretariat.

The PDP expressed concerns over the credibility of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission , ODIEC,  citing a lack of trust in the body’s ability to conduct a free and fair election.

“This decision follows a thorough consultation process with our leaders and stakeholders,” Igbabo stated. “While the party had fielded 15 chairmanship candidates and 131 councillorship candidates, it has become evident that ODIEC’s credibility has failed the integrity test.

Reports indicate troubling inconsistencies in ODIEC’s handling of election-related matters, raising serious concerns about the transparency and fairness of the process.”

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Igbabo emphasized that the PDP could not in good conscience participate in an election it perceives as compromised.

The party’s decision aligns with its commitment to upholding integrity and its firm belief in conducting elections that are credible and transparent.

The PDP had been one of the 13 political parties initially cleared by ODIEC to participate in the council elections. With the PDP’s withdrawal, 12 other parties remain in the race.

Crediblenewsng.com