The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally rejected the results of the governorship election held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, in Ondo State.
The party has pledged to contest the victory of Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) through legal means.
The opposition party in Ondo State has asserted that pursuing legal action is the sole avenue available to them for rectifying what they describe as electoral misconduct.
They expressed optimism that both divine and human justice would prevail in their favour.
In a statement issued in Akure by Ayo Fadaka, special adviser to the PDP’s governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, the PDP indicated that it had remained silent while initiating an investigation into the alleged criminal activities perpetrated by both the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) since the conclusion of the voting process on November 16.
According to the party, “We have uncovered lots of actions undertaken to compromise the electoral desires of the people and, sadly, conclude that democracy cannot thrive in an environment where unabated criminality is perpetually perpetrated in the prosecution of an election by the agency (INEC) saddled with the onerous and sacred responsibility to protect our franchise and deliver its mandate at the end of every election.
The party further stated that the November 16th election, like every other election conducted by INEC since APC assumed power in 2015, continues in the tradition of hijacking the process and delivering results that are diametrically in contrast with expressed electoral desires, thus resulting in promoting voters apathy and total disenchantment with the electoral process.
He remembers the persistent call from the PDP for the dismissal of Toyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State, due to her close ties and affiliations with the APC and its candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, during that election.
The opposition party emphasized that the findings of its investigation further validate their concerns, as unlawful activities related to that election are being revealed.
“It is a shame that people bereft of honour and required pedigree now manage sensitive institutions saddled with sacred responsibilities.
“While not divulging the nature and extent of the results of our investigations for now, our only prayer is that those who possess the privileges to determine the fate of people and nation should begin to live up to expectations and fear God in the interest of our nation, it’s wellness, peace and tranquillity, else they are reduced to the same level of criminals and bandits who continuously lay landmines that undermine the progress of our nation,” it added.
The party particularly called called on the Judiciary to brace up and perform the sacred and onerous responsibilities “to guarantee the portability of justice to people and institutions that seek it, the nation and people will appreciate that.
“Nigeria is currently described as a failed state; it is our prayer that it is revived, reborn, and resounding again as a nation that will not only hold promises of a better day for its people but shall deliver on the same.
“Thus honesty must propel institutions and government, or revolt will one day dictate unwholesome developments that will portent dire consequences.
“In summary, we reject the results of the Nov 16th election and will take legal actions to reverse the debauchery. That is the option available to us, and we are hopeful that man and God, who is the ultimate, will give us justice.
“It is time we begin to eschew criminality from our electoral process.”
