The Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its governorship candidate, Bamidele Akingboye, have rejected the outcome of the recently concluded gubernatorial election in Ondo State.
Speaking at a press conference in Akure on Monday, the SDP Chairman in the state, Gbenga Akinbuli, described the election as “a slap on democracy,” alleging widespread irregularities, including thuggery and vote buying.
According to Akinbuli, “How come the SDP got zero votes in Ilaje? The thugs chased everybody out of the polling unit. People were scared of coming out to cast their votes.”
He further claimed that voters were intimidated at Ward 10, Unit 19, Ondo West Local Government and offered between N7,000 and N10,000 to influence their votes.
He stated, “Security at the polling units could not do anything. They chased out our agents from the polling unit. We are saying the election was marred by gross malpractices, vote buying, and electoral intimidation.
“We are going to court. We are asking for the cancellation of the election. It was a show of shame. It was buyers and sellers day in Ondo.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Sunday declared Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner, with 366,781 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Ajayi Agboola, who garnered 117,845 votes.
Sahara Reporters
