The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has implored the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the conduct of a free, fair, and credible governorship election in Ondo State.
In a recent statement, the party emphasized the critical importance of transparency and integrity in the electoral process, urging INEC to implement measures that will safeguard the rights of voters and uphold democratic principles.
The PDP expressed its belief that a well-managed election is essential for fostering public trust and confidence in the electoral system, ultimately contributing to the stability and development of the state.
The party called on all stakeholders to work collaboratively to achieve these objectives, reinforcing their commitment to a peaceful and democratic electoral environment.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who is also the Leader of the party in the South-West Zone, made the appeal on Tuesday in Akure, during the official flag-off of the PDP governorship election campaign.
The governor said the party would not do what he termed a fraudulent election in Edo State, saying “We don’t want that in Ondo”.
Makinde also called for the removal of the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC in the state, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, saying the party had no confidence in her to deliver a credible election.
The governor said the call for Babalola’s removal was to safeguard electoral integrity and ensure fairness and level playing ground for all parties in the forthcoming November 16 governorship election in the state.
“The last governorship election in Edo State was a fraud and we don’t want that in Ondo State.
“The current REC is from Ondo State, we don’t want her to conduct this election otherwise we will continue to protest. We will not condone injustice,” Makinde said.
Also speaking at the rally, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, who doubles as the Chairman, Ondo National Campaign Council, said the PDP governorship candidate in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi was a tested hand.
The PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagun, who spoke on the last Edo State governorship election, claimed that the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, was the legitimate winner of the election.
According to Damagun, the election in Edo did not meet the necessary democratic standards.
“We don’t want what happened in Edo State in Ondo State.
“We want free, fair and credible elections in Ondo State.
“Our governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, is a well-tested candidate that can deliver dividends of democracy to the good people of Ondo State,” he said.
Ajayi, the governorship candidate of the PDP, said that his seven-point agenda would definitely transform the future of the people in the state if voted for.