The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the results of the Saturday, November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State, pledging to contest the victory of Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in court.
In a statement issued in Akure by Ayo Fadaka, Special Adviser to the PDP’s governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, the opposition party described the election process as a “debauchery” that must be reversed. The PDP expressed confidence that justice would prevail. “We are hopeful that man and God, who is the ultimate, will give us justice,” Fadaka stated.
The PDP revealed that since the conclusion of voting on November 16, it had launched an investigation into alleged acts of criminality carried out by the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to the party, “We have uncovered numerous actions aimed at compromising the electoral will of the people. It is disheartening that democracy cannot flourish in an environment where criminality is perpetuated during elections by the very institution entrusted to safeguard our franchise and ensure a credible process.”
The party further alleged that the November 16 election was consistent with what it termed INEC’s pattern of “hijacking the electoral process” since the APC took power in 2015. “This trend of delivering results contrary to the expressed desires of voters fosters apathy and disillusionment with the electoral process,” the statement added.
Allegations Against INEC and the REC
The PDP reiterated its longstanding call for the removal of Ondo State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Toyin Babalola, citing her alleged close ties to the APC and its candidate. The party claimed that the REC’s relationship with the ruling party compromised the election’s integrity.
“Our fears have been confirmed by the criminal actions unearthed in this election,” the statement read. “It is a shame that individuals lacking the requisite honor and pedigree are now at the helm of sensitive institutions with sacred responsibilities.”
Without disclosing specific findings from its investigation, the PDP appealed to public officials and institutions to act with integrity. “Those who determine the fate of the nation must live up to expectations and fear God. Otherwise, they risk being likened to criminals and bandits who continually undermine the country’s progress.”
Call for Judicial Intervention
The PDP also issued a strong appeal to the judiciary, urging it to deliver justice. “We call on the judiciary to rise to the occasion and fulfill its sacred duty of ensuring justice. The nation will appreciate a judiciary that upholds fairness and provides justice to those who seek it,” the statement emphasized.
The party lamented Nigeria’s current challenges, describing the country as a “failed state” in urgent need of revival. “It is our prayer that Nigeria is reborn as a nation that not only promises but delivers a better future for its citizens. Institutions must be propelled by honesty, or else societal revolts with dire consequences may become inevitable,” the party warned.
Legal Challenge
Summarizing its stance, the PDP rejected the November 16 election results in their entirety and vowed to pursue legal action. “We reject the results of the November 16 election and will take legal actions to reverse this debauchery. That is the only option available to us, and we are hopeful that both man and God will deliver justice,” Fadaka concluded.
The PDP also called for an end to electoral malpractices, stressing, “It is time to eschew criminality from our electoral process and restore integrity to our democracy.”
