KEY POINTS
- APC secures victories in 16 LGAs during Ondo local government elections, with two results pending after ballot issues.
- The election in Owo, Ondo West, was rescheduled due to outdated NNPP logo errors on ballot papers, with results expected by Sunday evening.
- PDP withdraws, citing lack of confidence in ODIEC, as APC solidifies dominance in local government polls.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has been declared the winner in 16 local government areas (LGAs) in Saturday’s local government elections in Ondo State, while results for two LGAs remain pending.
The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) announced the results during a press briefing in Akure on Sunday.
Dr. Joseph Aremo, the chairman of ODIEC and the election’s chief returning officer, disclosed that the APC won the chairmanship and councillorship seats in the 16 LGAs where elections were successfully conducted.
Results for two LGAs delayed
According to Punch, the elections in Owo and Ondo West LGAs were canceled and rescheduled for Sunday due to errors on the ballot papers, which featured an outdated logo of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Aremo stated that results for these two LGAs would be announced later in the day after the rescheduled elections concluded.
“The elections in Owo and Ondo West LGAs were postponed because of issues with the NNPP logo, which did not match the party’s current registered emblem,” Aremo said. He added that the rescheduled polls would conclude by 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, with results expected immediately after.
Low turnout from major opposition parties
The election saw participation from 12 political parties, including the APC, Labour Party (LP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP).
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a major opposition party, withdrew from the race 48 hours before the election.
The PDP’s Director of Media and Publicity in Ondo State, Mr. Leye Igbagbo, announced the withdrawal in a statement, citing concerns over ODIEC’s ability to conduct a free and fair election. “Our decision to withdraw is informed by our lack of confidence in the electoral process,” Igbagbo said.
Smooth process despite challenges
Despite the PDP’s absence and the ballot paper mix-up, Aremo emphasized that the election was largely peaceful and commended the electorate for their conduct.
He assured stakeholders that the commission was committed to transparency in the rescheduled elections for the remaining LGAs.
The election featured participation from smaller parties, including the Action Alliance (AA), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), and others.
APC solidifies dominance
The APC’s sweeping victory in 16 LGAs reflects its stronghold in the state, reinforcing its position as the dominant political force in Ondo. The party’s candidates will assume leadership positions as chairpersons and councillors in these LGAs.
Results from Owo and Ondo West LGAs are expected to further consolidate the APC’s dominance or reveal pockets of resistance.
With the rescheduled elections set to conclude later on Sunday, all eyes are on ODIEC for the final announcement of the two outstanding results.
