Ondo PDP accuses APC Chairman of presenting party members as INEC presiding officers

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, on Tuesday, made explosive allegations against the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of plotting to compromise the upcoming off-cycle governorship election.

At the center of the controversy is Ade Adetimehin, the APC chairman in Ondo State, who has been accused of submitting lists of party members to serve as presiding officers and assistant presiding officers for the election.

According to Kennedy Peretei, spokesperson for the PDP, the party discovered Adetimehin’s plan after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) trained ad hoc staff.

“The training of presiding officers and assistant presiding officers by INEC is a prerequisite for recruiting such ad hoc staff to function in these capacities,” Peretei said.

“Unfortunately, Ade Adetimehin has personally submitted a list of two persons who are APC members per polling unit to INEC to serve as presiding officers and assistant presiding officers, even when these persons did not attend the training.”

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The PDP has warned that the APC’s alleged plan to compromise the election is a desperate attempt to cling to power, having “failed tragically to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.”

The party has also renewed its call for the redeployment of Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Oluwatoyin Babalola, citing her alleged ties to Adetimehin.

However, the APC has swiftly denied the allegations, with spokesperson Alex Kalejaiye dismissing them as “fabrications” from the PDP. “We have no reason to contemplate compromising the election,” Kalejaiye said.

“We have worked very hard; we have worked for the people. We have appealed to the people, and they have shown understanding and a willingness to support the party.”

The APC has maintained that its strategy is to campaign and earn the support of the people, rather than resorting to improper actions. “There is absolutely no reason to do that,” Kalejaiye emphasized. “Our focus is on securing a victory through legitimate means.”

The allegations have cast a shadow over the upcoming election, with many calling for transparency and fairness. As the PDP stated, “The entire world is watching, and nobody can hide behind one finger.”

This is not the first time Adetimehin has faced criticism. A group within the APC, the Sunshine Movement, previously called for his removal as chairman, citing allegations of gross incompetence and mishandling of party affairs.

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