The All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged as the dominant force in the recent Ondo State local government elections, securing victory in 16 out of the 18 councils that went to the polls. However, as the dust settles, the results from two councils remain pending due to electoral irregularities, throwing a shadow over the otherwise resounding success of the ruling party.
The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) declared the APC the winner of 16 local governments on Sunday, with all the councillorship seats in these councils also going to the party. This triumph is seen as a reaffirmation of APC’s stronghold in the state, even as it faces challenges in securing every vote.
Speaking at a press briefing, Dr. Joseph Aremo, the Chairman of ODIEC, confirmed the victory while explaining that the election results for two councils – Owo and Ondo West – had been delayed due to complications with the ballot papers.
“The election results for Owo and Ondo West Local Government Areas are yet to be finalized due to issues with the ballot papers. The wrong logo of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) was printed, which led to the cancellation of the results in Ondo West,” Aremo stated.
Aremo further clarified that the situation would be rectified with a rescheduled election in Ondo West, which was set to take place on Sunday. Results for these two councils were expected to be announced by 7:00 p.m. that same day.
The Election Dispute
The cancellation of the Ondo West election and its rescheduling raised concerns among some observers, as it reflected deeper logistical problems. The mishap, which involved the wrong political party logo on the ballots, led to an unprecedented delay in the release of the results. This delay sparked a range of reactions, with some accusing ODIEC of mismanagement.
Political analysts have noted that the issues in Ondo West, particularly, highlight the challenges that the electoral body faces in ensuring a smooth process for such an important poll. Despite this setback, however, the rescheduling was seen by some as a necessary move to maintain the integrity of the election process.
Political parties in the election were quick to react to the delay in results. A number of smaller parties that contested alongside APC – including Labour Party (LP), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP) – expressed concerns over the transparency of the process and the impact that the delays might have on the public’s trust in the elections.
The PDP’s Withdrawal
One of the most significant developments in the run-up to the local elections was the withdrawal of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from the contest. The state chapter of the PDP announced its decision just 48 hours before the elections, citing a lack of confidence in ODIEC’s ability to conduct a credible election. According to Mr. Leye Igbagbo, the party’s Director of Media and Publicity in Ondo, the PDP’s decision was prompted by fears of electoral manipulation and irregularities.
“After much deliberation, we came to the conclusion that it was in the best interest of our party and the people of Ondo State not to participate in an election that we believe would not be free, fair, or credible,” Igbagbo said in a statement issued in Akure.
The withdrawal of the PDP came as a blow to the credibility of ODIEC, with some political analysts suggesting that it could undermine public confidence in the electoral process. However, despite this significant setback, the election went ahead with participation from 12 other political parties.
The political landscape in Ondo State is currently dominated by the APC, which has been in power for several years. The victory in the local elections is expected to solidify the party’s influence in the state, though the impact of the PDP’s withdrawal may continue to raise questions about the fairness of the process.
What’s at Stake
The local government elections in Ondo are seen as a critical test for the APC’s influence ahead of upcoming state and national elections. The ability to maintain control over local governments provides the party with a significant advantage in terms of grassroots support and the distribution of state resources.
For the opposition, the failure of the PDP to field candidates in the election has left a void that the other smaller parties have sought to fill. Although the APC emerged victorious, the contentious election results and the PDP’s withdrawal highlight the fractured political environment in Ondo State.
Looking ahead, the outcome of the Owo and Ondo West elections will be pivotal in shaping the overall result of the local government polls. The state is now watching closely as ODIEC works to resolve the irregularities and announce the final outcomes.
As the political drama continues to unfold, questions about the future of electoral integrity in Ondo remain unanswered. Political analysts warn that unless electoral reforms are urgently implemented, public faith in the local elections and, by extension, the state government, could be severely undermined.
Background Context
The recent local government elections in Ondo involved a wide range of political parties, from the APC and PDP to smaller groups like the Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Action Peoples Party (APP). A total of 12 political parties participated in the election, with each contesting for key local government positions, including chairmanship and councillorship roles.
This election is significant in light of the upcoming general elections, as local government control plays a vital role in the political landscape of the state. For the APC, the victory in the majority of the councils is seen as a critical step in maintaining their dominance in Ondo. However, as the events of the weekend show, even the smallest electoral error can have far-reaching consequences in an environment charged with political tension.
