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PDP Rejects Ondo Governorship Results, Accuses APC Of Electoral Fraud

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3 hours ago

Nov 17, 2024.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the outcome of the Ondo State governorship election, alleging widespread vote-buying and electoral manipulation in favor of the incumbent, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The PDP described the election as fraudulent, claiming the process lacked credibility and failed to meet the standards of a free and fair election.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement issued on Sunday, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of colluding with the APC to rig the results.

According to Ologunagba, the election, held on November 16, was marred by intense vote-buying and intimidation, which undermined the will of the people.

He condemned the APC for exploiting poverty in the state to manipulate voters, arguing that such practices threaten Nigeria’s democratic integrity.

“This election witnessed the height of electoral fraud, deceit, and manipulation,” Ologunagba said. “The APC used vote-buying as a tool to suppress the people’s will and subvert democracy. We call on Nigerians and the international community to condemn this and demand action to prevent such practices in the future.”

PDP Rejects Ondo

The PDP further promised to review the election’s outcome and take necessary actions to protect Nigeria’s democracy. Ologunagba emphasized that the party would continue to advocate for a more transparent and credible electoral process.

In response, the APC dismissed the allegations as baseless, accusing the PDP of fabricating excuses for their loss. Bala Ibrahim, the APC’s National Publicity Director, criticized the PDP for continuously blaming the APC and INEC for their defeats.

He pointed out the overwhelming margin of victory, with Aiyedatiwa securing 366,781 votes compared to PDP’s Agboola Ajayi, who garnered 117,845 votes.

“Despite the clear margin of over 200,000 votes, the PDP refuses to accept the will of the people,” Ibrahim said. “Nigerians have rejected them and have chosen the APC for its leadership.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa was declared the winner after securing all 18 local government areas in Ondo State. The PDP’s rejection of the results, however, has added to the political tension in the state.