PDP Rejects Ondo Election as APC Fires Back in Fiery Showdown

The Ondo State governorship election has taken a contentious turn as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rejects the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging electoral malpractice and violence. INEC announced the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the winner, with 291,667 votes, surpassing PDP’s Agboola Ajayi, who garnered 247,274 votes.

PDP claims the election was marred by irregularities, accusing APC of using violence and intimidation to influence voters. The opposition party further criticized INEC for allegedly collating results outside designated centers, which it deemed a violation of electoral laws.

In response, APC dismissed the allegations, insisting that the results reflected the will of the people. APC spokesperson Alex Kalejaye highlighted the party’s extensive grassroots engagement and development-oriented campaigns across all local governments as the basis for their victory. He also urged the PDP to accept defeat gracefully.

The situation has heightened tensions in the state, with the PDP threatening protests and legal action to challenge the outcome. Meanwhile, civil society organizations have called for calm and urged all parties to pursue their grievances through legal channels.

As the fallout continues, observers worry about the implications of these disputes on the credibility of future elections and democratic stability in the region.