ADP Rejects Results Of Ondo LG Election

By Emmanuel Awosika

The African Democratic Party has rejected the results of the just-concluded local government elections held in Ondo State.

The results, announced by the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, showed the ruling All Progressives Congress won the elections in all local government areas.

But the Ondo State branch of the ADP rejected the results for Ondo West and Ondo East LGAs, calling for them to be canceled.

According to the Ondo state chairman of the ADP, Pastor Oladimeji Owolabi, elections in the two local government areas were fraught with widespread malpractices such as ballot snatching and multiple thumb printing.

“It is on records that the election materials meant for wards like 4,5,6, and 13 were diverted to the houses of APC leaders for multiple thumb printing, therefore, our electorate were totally disenfranchised.

“There were too many cases of multiple thumb printing in the Ondo West Local Government Area and there is need to cancel the election,” the Chairman said.

In the meantime, Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has sworn in the elected local government chairmen in the state.

The Governor, in his address, admitted the election had witnessed some irregularities, but said the overall success of the exercise showed the administration’s commitment to “real development” in Ondo State.

“The just-concluded exercise was not perfect, as there were reports of a few hiccups in some units and one or two wards across the state.

“However, most keen observers, untainted with partisanship, and politicians alike, will readily agree that our administration is committed to real development in the state.

“It is our belief that outright lies and deception must not become the directive principles of state policies. We will not make promises that are not realisable,” he said.