On Tuesday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State leveled shocking accusations against the All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming that they were planning to sabotage the next off-cycle gubernatorial poll.
The main figure in the dispute is Ade Adetimehin, the chairman of the APC in Ondo State, who has been charged with presenting lists of party members to act as assistant presiding officers and presiding officers during the election.
Following the training of ad hoc personnel by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Kennedy Peretei, the PDP spokesperson, claims that the party learned of Adetimehin’s scheme.
According to Peretei, “hiring such ad hoc staff to function in these capacities requires that INEC train presiding officers and assistant presiding officers.”
“Sadly, Ade Adetimehin personally sent INEC a list of two APC members per polling unit to serve as presiding officers and assistant presiding officers, even though these individuals were not present at the training.”
After “failing tragically to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people,” the PDP has warned that the APC’s purported plan to rig the election is a last-ditch effort to hold onto power.
The party has also reiterated its demand that Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), be redeployed, given her purported connections to Adetimehin.
However, the APC quickly refuted the claims, with spokesperson Alex Kalejaiye calling them PDP “fabrications.” “There is no justification for us to consider jeopardizing the election,” Kalejaiye declared.
“For the benefit of the public, we have put forth a great deal of effort. After we made a plea to the public, they responded with empathy and a desire to back the party.
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Instead of using unethical tactics, the APC has insisted that its approach is to run for office and win over the public. “That is completely unnecessary,” Kalejaiye underlined. “We are concentrating on achieving a victory by legal means.”
Many are demanding for fairness and openness, and the accusations have clouded the impending election. According to the PDP, “No one can hide behind one finger, and the entire world is watching.”
Adetimehin has been the target of criticism before. Citing claims of egregious ineptitude and improper management of party operations, the Sunshine Movement, an APC faction, had previously demanded his dismissal as chairman.
