The Ondo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has voiced its disapproval of certain Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials’ involvement in the upcoming governorship election on Saturday. The party had previously protested, demanding the removal of Mrs. Babalola Oluwatoyin as Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) before the election.
During a press briefing in Akure, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council, stated that INEC staff known for alleged electoral manipulation should be barred from participating in the election. Olafeso also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of violating the peace accord signed by all political parties, alleging that APC thugs attacked PDP members in Idanre, injuring seven.
Olafeso reported that Otunba Akinlemimu, a PDP member, was seriously injured and remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the State Specialists Hospital in Akure, while others are still recovering after having bullets removed from their bodies. He emphasized that APC’s actions defy the Peace Accord.
In response, Ondo APC’s Director of Media, Steve Otaloro, dismissed the PDP’s allegations as “baseless” and an attempt to tarnish APC’s image. Otaloro urged the PDP to respect the democratic process and desist from spreading fear, affirming APC’s commitment to a free and fair election.
“The people of Ondo State deserve better than baseless accusations,” Otaloro stated, claiming the PDP is merely setting up a narrative to explain a possible defeat.
