The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State has called for the cancellation of last Saturday’s local government election, describing it as a disgraceful process riddled with irregularities. The party also demanded the resignation of the State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) Chairman, Dr. Joseph Aremo, accusing him of bias and failure to conduct a credible election.
In a statement delivered in Akure, the state capital, SDP Chairman Gbenga Akinbuli condemned the election process, alleging widespread harassment and intimidation by agents of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Akinbuli labeled the election a “selection 2.0” and insisted that it fell far short of acceptable standards.
He said, “There was no election in Ondo State as far as we are concerned. It was a pure show of shame, and that is why we are calling for the immediate cancellation of the poll. We are also calling for the removal or resignation of Dr. Joseph Aremo. He assured us he would be a fair umpire, but his actions proved otherwise.”
Akinbuli further claimed that polling units across all 18 local government areas were fraught with irregularities. He alleged that electoral officers were not provided the proper forms to document results and were instead given plain sheets of paper. According to him, the results announced by ODIEC were pre-determined in favor of APC candidates, undermining the election’s credibility.
“The election was marred by a lack of adherence to electoral guidelines. Electoral officers were not given the required result sheets, and announcements were made declaring APC candidates as winners without disclosing the actual results,” he added.
ODIEC Defends Election Process
In response to the allegations, ODIEC Chairman Dr. Joseph Aremo maintained that the election was conducted in line with legal and procedural standards. During the presentation of certificates of return to newly elected chairmen, Aremo stated that the election was contested by 12 political parties and conducted across all 203 wards in the state.
“The election across the 203 wards was keenly contested, and candidates sponsored by the APC emerged as councillors-elect. The chairmanship election was also keenly contested, and APC candidates emerged victorious across all 18 councils,” Aremo said.
He dismissed allegations of misconduct and assured that the electoral process adhered to the rules governing local government elections in Ondo State.
Opposition Parties Boycott and Criticism
The controversy surrounding the election deepened when the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the main opposition party in the state, withdrew from the contest. The PDP cited a lack of trust in ODIEC’s credibility and accused the electoral body of being heavily influenced by the ruling APC.
The SDP and other opposition parties now call for sweeping reforms to restore public confidence in the state’s electoral process. They insist that the irregularities observed during Saturday’s election are unacceptable in a democratic setting and have urged relevant authorities to intervene.
Looking Ahead
As political tensions rise in Ondo State, calls for accountability and transparency in the electoral process continue to gain momentum. The SDP’s strong stance reflects broader frustrations among opposition parties and voters who feel disenfranchised by the process. The fallout from this election may shape future political discourse in Ondo, especially as the 2025 elections approach.
