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The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State has alleged massive rigging against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last Saturday’s local government election in the state.
This is even as the Ondo Independent Electoral Commission has declared the ruling as winner of the Chairmanship seats in the 18 local government areas as well as the 203 councillorship seats.
The Chairman of the SDP, Gbenga Akinbuli, said the election should be cancelled based on “lack of credibility, non provision of Form ECA, writing of so-called election results on a sheet of paper, at Odigbo and Ile Oluji by ODIEC officials, ballot stuffing, and Police partiality.”
However, the party also accused a Divisional Police Officer, DPO in charge of Ore Division, for aiding the thuggery activities of the APC boys and unwarranted arrest of SDP candidates in the area for kicking against the “election robbery” of the APC
Mr Akinbuli alleged that there was shortage of security personnel of the Nigerian Police Force for the election which also gave room for molestation of the opposition by the APC.
But the APC has denied the allegations saying the party won the election through the ballot after it’s effective campaigns through the nooks and crannies of the state.
“The election was peaceful, free, and fair. Anybody saying otherwise is just making noise to be heard,” APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, said.
He lauded ODIEC and other stakeholders for their efforts, adding, “You were on the field that day. Where did you see any form of manipulation? The process was well organised, and I commend everyone involved for a job well done.”
While declaring the results in Akure, the Chairman of ODIEC, Joseph Aremo, explained that the election was keenly contested by 12 political parties as the PDP withdrew from the process 48 hours before the election.
He explained that the contest for chairmanship and councillorship seats held in the 18 local government areas and 203 wards.
Mr Aremo commended Ondo state residents for upholding the tenets of rule of law, and for coming out to vote for the candidates of their choices.
Meanwhile, ODIEC has scheduled the presentation of certificates of return to the winners for Tuesday.