Following the announcement of Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC as the winner of the Ondo State governorship election, the state’s chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP has decried foul play in the conduct of the election, while urging their supporters to remain calm as they take the next step.
The party’s national body on Sunday had earlier alleged widespread vote buying by the APC which it said was rampant because the ruling party impoverished Nigerians.
Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent governor of the state polled 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival and a former deputy governor of the state, Ajayi Agboola of the PDP. The Returning Officer for the election, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja, Kogi State, Olayemi Akinwumi announced the verdict for the election.
APC won the election in a landslide, clearing all 18 local government areas.
The PDP had then criticised the election process, tagging it as the worst election ever to be conducted by INEC.
After INEC’s declaration, political bigwigs in the country have taken turns to congratulate Aiyedatiwa, Including former president Muhammadu Buhari, and President Bola Tinubu who also advised aggrieved parties to seek court’s redress.
In a new statement signed by PDP’s State Publicity Secretary Ondo State, Kennedy Ikantu Peretei on Monday, the party urged all their supporters to be calm and remain steadfast as the next line of action will be communicated to them in due course.
The statement added, “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo State Chapter extends our heartfelt gratitude to the good people of Ondo State for their unwavering support and commitment to our party during the recently conducted governorship election.
“Despite the challenges and obstacles that we faced, your resilience and dedication to the PDP’s ideals and vision for a better Ondo State were evident at the polls. Your voices were heard, and your choices were clear.
“We recognise that this election was not just about winning or losing but about the future of our great state and its people. We are proud to have had the opportunity to engage with you, listen to your concerns, and share our vision for a prosperous and inclusive Ondo State.
“As we move forward, we reaffirm our commitment to the people of Ondo State. We will continue to work tirelessly to address the challenges facing our state, promote economic growth, improve healthcare and education, and ensure that every citizen has access to opportunities and resources.
“On behalf of the Flag bearer, H. E Agboola Ajayi, his Deputy, Hon. Festus Akingbaso, the State Campaign Council,we thank you for standing by us. Your trust and support are invaluable, and we pledge to work diligently to justify your confidence in us.
“Our party wishes to appreciate the Chairman of the National Campaign Council, H.E Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State and all members of the Council. Our appreciation also goes to Engr Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, and leader of the PDP in the South West, as well as Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum and other PDP Governors. The Acting National Chairman of our party, Amb Damagun and Members of the National Working Committee are all deeply appreciated.”
