The candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming local council election in Ondo State have expressed dismay over the decision of the party to withdraw from Saturday’s poll.
Infuriated with the action of the opposition party, the chairmanship candidate of the party in Akure South Local Council, Tuyi Adekambi, lamented that PDP leaders unilaterally took the action without consulting them despite solely investing resources in their engagements with the electorate.
While addressing newsmen in Akure, the state capital, Adekanmi, who was flanked by the councillorship candidates in the council, stated that the party did not only betray them but the electorate and democracy at large.
According to him, most of the electorate was already rooting for the party in Akure, but the sudden withdrawal of the party distorted all the permutations.
He said: “As aspirants, we believe in the responsibility to participate and express our willingness to proceed. The state chairman, Bakita Bello, granted us the go-ahead. We started our preparations, even without substantial support from the party. We printed posters, held meetings, and engaged in community sensitisation campaigns to win over voters under the PDP banner.
“However, there were rumours over the past week that the PDP might boycott the election. Despite reassurances from the state chairman, who encouraged us to proceed, a letter was sent to the ODIEC last night (Wednesday) declaring that the PDP was officially withdrawing from the election.
“This decision was made without consulting us, the aspirants, which we consider an infringement on our rights. We invested heavily—both financially and emotionally—in this process. We paid for forms, followed all procedures, and dedicated ourselves to this election.
“For the party to withdraw just 72 hours before the election is a betrayal, not only to us as candidates but also to the people of Akure South, who have supported us. We believe we have a strong chance of winning, with nearly 85% support from the electorate. The decision to boycott the election is an aberration, an infringement of our rights, and a disservice to democracy.”
He further stressed that “We want to make it clear that no one bought us over, contrary to any rumors.” This decision was solely made by the party leadership without our input. If a local government election cannot proceed transparently, then we must question the motives behind this action.
“We have received overwhelming support from various groups, including traditional and religious leaders, opinion leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders in Akure. These individuals recognise our dedication to the community and our potential to serve.
“We are deeply disappointed by the party’s decision and see it as a failure of leadership. Moving forward, we will communicate our next line of action to the public. For now, we thank the people of Akure for their unwavering support and urge them to remain steadfast.”
