Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has described as cowardly, the withdrawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the local government election in the state.
Aiyedatiwa said this on Saturday while speaking with newsmen after casting his vote at polling Unit 5, Ugbo Ward 4, in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
Recall Mr Leye Igbagbo, PDP Director of Media and Publicity in Ondo State, had announced the withdrawal of the party from the election in a statement on Thursday.
“For PDP to to pull out, that is cowardice. They participated in the whole process. ODIEC released the time table for the election on time, I don’t know the reason for that (withdrawal).
“Maybe the fear of losing. Every election has its own logistics and other political parties are participating. So, whatever reason that made them withdraw, I am not privy to that,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa also described the election as a step towards enhancing grassroots development. The governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to the effective running of the local government system in the state in line with the provisions of the law.
Aiyedatiwa commended the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) for the seamless conduct of the polls, and thanked the people for participating in the election.
“I just cast my vote without any crisis, this is just what happened on the Nov.16 governorship election which was adjudged to be free and fair.
“The materials arrived early and the security and citizens are here. They are participating and at the end of the day, just as we have in the last election, we don’t expect anything else,” he said.
Also the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr Olayide Adelami, voted at 9:45 a.m. at Igbooroko Unit 16, Ward 3 in Owo, Owo LGA. Adelami, who praised the electorate for the turnout, urged them to vote massively for APC.
APC chairmanship candidate commends conduct of Ondo LG polls
Meanwhile, the chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure South Local Government Area (LGA), Dr Gbenga Fasua, has commended the conduct of the ongoing Ondo State Local Government Election.
Fasua, who stated this on Saturday after casting his vote at Ward 10, Polling Unit 5, Oja Oshodi, Akure, said that the election at Akure South LGA, was free and fair in all ramifications.
The candidate also noted that there was no intimidation, and applauded Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) for the peaceful, and fair conduct of the election.
According to him, there is relatively good turnout contrary to the opinion of some people that voters might not come out.
“People thought there would be voter apathy but you can see that people are coming out to vote. There is peaceful conduct of the election and everything is orderly.
“In this election, I am sure of victory and when declared winner, I will change the narrative. I am experienced enough to occupy the position,” he said.