As the Ondo State governorship election approaches, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have exchanged accusations over alleged plans to compromise the poll scheduled for Saturday.
The state PDP, in a statement released on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Kennedy Peretei, alleged that the APC intends to undermine the electoral process.
According to Peretei, “Ade Adetimehin, the APC chair in Ondo, has submitted the names of APC members to serve as ad hoc officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the election.”
Peretei argued that this alleged move compromises the neutrality expected of INEC in conducting a fair election.
The PDP’s claims have intensified concerns around election transparency in Ondo, with Peretei insisting that “this alleged attempt to infiltrate INEC with party loyalists is an affront to democratic values and the choice of the people.”
In response, the APC dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. The party’s spokesperson emphasized that the APC has no intention of compromising the poll, citing its intensive efforts to secure victory through legitimate means.
Peretei said, “The entire world is watching and this move by Adetimehin has vindicated our consistent call for the redeployment of Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, who has Adetimehin’s backing in this evil.
“Our party wishes to admonish all actors to play according to the rule.
“The entire world is watching, and nobody can hide behind one finger.”
Responding, Alex Kalejaye, spokesperson of the APC, said there is no need to compromise the poll because they have campaigned in all the 18 LGAs of the state.
Kalejaye said, “We are working with the people; we have engaged every segment of society. Our focus is on improving the lives of those who are living in challenging conditions.
“Many projects are underway in the interest of the state’s economic and physical transformation. So, we will continue to appeal to the people.
“Tomorrow, we will hold our grand finale rally, gathering everyone together, and we will send the same message of continuity. However, we will not go to the extent of doing anything unconstitutional just to win an election.
“We have done the work we set out to do, and we are confident that the people are with us. There is no reason to take any improper actions to secure a victory.”
On Saturday, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo and APC candidate, will compete with Agboola Ajayi, PDP candidate, for the state’s highest office.