JUST-IN: PDP Rejects APC’s Victory In Ondo, Vows To Challenge Result In Court

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the outcome of the Saturday, November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State, vowing to challenge the victory of Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in court

The opposition party in Ondo State said legal action against the results of the election was the only option available to it in reversing” the debauchery. We are hopeful that man and God who is the ultimate will give us justice.”

PDP, in a statement in Akure by Ayo Fadaka, special adviser to the PDP governorship candidate in the election, Agboola Ajayi stated that the party “had kept mute and put in process, an investigation of the contents of criminality prosecuted by both APC and the INEC since the conclusion of voting on Saturday 16th November.”

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 recall the PDP’s consistent demand for the removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State, Toyin Babalola on account of her closeness and association with the APC and its candidate in that election, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The opposition party stressed that results of its investigation continue to “affirm that our fears were not misplaced as criminal actions prosecuted in that election are being unearthed.

“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 tranquility, else they are reduced to the same level of criminals and bandits who continuously lay landmines that undermine the progress of our nation.”

The party particularly called call 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, rebirthed and resounding again as a nation that will not only hold promises of a better day for its people but shall deliver on same.

“Thus honesty must propel institutions and government, else 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.”