By Capital Watch Media
The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, ODIEC, has declared the All Progressives Congress, APC, victorious in 16 local government areas, LGAs, in Saturday’s local government elections.
Dr Joseph Aremo, ODIEC Chairman and Chief Returning Officer, announced the results on Sunday.
He confirmed that the APC won the chairmanship and councillorship positions in the 16 LGAs.
“The elections in Owo and Ondo West LGAs were rescheduled due to the inclusion of the wrong logo for one of the participating parties. Results for these LGAs will be announced after the supplementary elections today,” Aremo stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reported that the election in Ondo West was nullified because the old logo of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, appeared on the ballot papers.
ODIEC confirmed that elections in the affected LGAs would conclude on Sunday, with results expected by 7:00 pm.
Twelve political parties participated in the elections, including Action Alliance, AA, Labour Party, LP, Social Democratic Party, SDP, and Zenith Labour Party, ZLP.
However, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, withdrew from the election 48 hours before polling.
Leye Igbagbo, PDP’s Director of Media and Publicity in Ondo State, cited a lack of confidence in ODIEC’s ability to conduct a free and fair election as the reason for the party’s withdrawal.
Despite the PDP’s absence, voter turnout remained consistent across the 16 LGAs where elections proceeded as planned.
ODIEC reported no significant disruptions aside from the ballot issue in Owo and Ondo West.
Results from Owo and Ondo West LGAs will complete the tally for all 18 local governments in the state. APC is projected to secure significant victories in these areas as well.
ODIEC has urged all parties and stakeholders to remain patient and uphold peace while awaiting the final announcement.
“We are committed to ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the process,” Aremo emphasised.
