‘Don’t be compromised’ — Ondo PDP tells state electoral commission ahead of LG poll

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo has asked the state electoral commission to be transparent in the conduct of the upcoming LG election.

The LG election in the south-west state is scheduled to take place on December 16.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday in Akure, the capital of Ondo, Fatai Adams, chairperson of the PDP in the state, said the party would participate in the election.

He alleged that the LGs in the state have failed to live up to the expectations of the people because the electoral process has not been credible.

“Gone are the days when local governments embarked on the construction of rural roads, markets and other social amenities at the grassroots. Gone are the days when capable and tested hands were in charge of government at the grassroots,” Adams said.

“It is against this background that our party will participate in the local government election so as to bring development to the grassroots again as it was under previous PDP administrations.

“Our resolve to participate is to reverse the uneventful and uninspiring narratives. It is to restore the lost glory of local government administration and its pride.

“We are, however, using this opportunity to call on the ODIEC (Ondo Independent Electoral Commission) to perform its role as an impartial arbiter which should not rob Peter to pay Paul.

“We are passionately appealing to the chairman and other members of the commission to always act on the side of the people bearing in mind that their commission is being financed by the taxpayers’ money and not from the APC government which merely appointed them.

“They should ensure utmost transparency of the electoral process, exhibit decency, decorum and discipline that is expected of their high offices and not compromise for any self-serving or pecuniary gains so that posterity will be kind to them at the end of the day.”

While cautioning the state government of undue interference, the opposition party said its candidates were prepared to participate in the election.

“As a party, we have put necessary machinery in motion which will culminate in our electoral victory at the polls and we are participating to win by the grace of God,” he added.