Ondo 2024: SDP candidate rejects results, heads to tribunal
Bamidele Akingboye, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in Saturday’s Ondo State governorship election, has rejected the results and vowed to challenge them in court. Incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared the winner with 366,781 votes, while Akingboye garnered 438 votes. Ajayi Agboola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) […]
Bamidele Akingboye, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in Saturday’s Ondo State governorship election, has rejected the results and vowed to challenge them in court.
Incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared the winner with 366,781 votes, while Akingboye garnered 438 votes. Ajayi Agboola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 117,845 votes.
Speaking in Akure on Monday, Akingboye alleged widespread irregularities, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of presiding over a flawed process.
“The election was marred by open vote-buying. APC and PDP engaged in bazaar-like auctions. I have integrity and will not condone such practices,” he said.
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Akingboye also claimed the results were manipulated. “We’ve heard that results were pre-written before the election. INEC must conduct a fresh exercise or declare me the winner, as I have the people’s mandate,” he insisted.
Gbenga Akinbuli, the SDP state chairman, echoed Akingboye’s sentiments, describing the poll as a “slap on democracy.”
He alleged vote-buying, intimidation and other malpractices, calling for its immediate nullification.
Meanwhile, INEC maintains that the election was conducted fairly.