Politics

Tensions Rise in Ondo and Osun Ahead of Upcoming Elections

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 29th, 2024.

Tensions Rise in Ondo and Osun Ahead of Upcoming Elections

As the off-cycle elections in Ondo, Osun, and Anambra States approach, tension is growing among opposition parties regarding possible electoral manipulation and fraud.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently announced that Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the Edo gubernatorial election with 291,667 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes.

The Edo election has faced serious allegations of result manipulation, vote buying, and external pressure, prompting some observers to contest the legitimacy of results in various local government areas. Opposition parties fear that the upcoming elections may replicate the troubling circumstances seen in Edo.

The Ondo gubernatorial election is set for November 16, while Anambra will vote in 2025 and Osun in 2026. Both Edo and Osun are controlled by the PDP, whereas Anambra is under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Opposition leaders accuse the ruling APC of forcibly taking control through electoral misconduct in states led by opposition parties. Ibrahim Abdullahi, PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, expressed a loss of faith in INEC’s ability to conduct fair elections, urging Nigerians to reject the APC.

“The APC’s actions reflect a disregard for democratic values, as they seek power by any means necessary, threatening our democratic progress,” Abdullahi stated.

The Osun chapter of the PDP has asserted its determination to maintain power, promising to counteract any rigging attempts in the 2026 election. Sunday Bisi, the State Chairman, accused INEC and security forces of colluding to undermine the PDP’s chances in the recent Edo election, labeling it a significant threat to democracy.

“What transpired in Edo was a disgrace and a violation of democratic principles. Such manipulation will not occur in Osun,” Bisi claimed.

In response, the APC suggested that the PDP’s anxieties stem from concerns over Governor Adeleke’s performance. Kola Olabisi, Director of Media and Publicity for Osun APC, noted, “The lack of electoral misconduct in Edo reflects a stark contrast to the current state of affairs in Osun, fueling their apprehension.”

Meanwhile, APGA has stated that the APC will struggle to win in Anambra, dismissing any prospects of a takeover. Dr. Tony Olisa-Mbeki, an APGA spokesman, emphasized that the party is ready to address any irregularities in the 2025 election.

In defense of the electoral process, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, reiterated that ensuring electoral integrity is a collective responsibility. “Conducting free and credible elections requires cooperation from all stakeholders involved,” Oyekanmi affirmed.