Police restrict movement in Ondo over LG election, PDP withdraws

The Ondo State Police Command has announced the restriction of vehicular and motorcycle movement from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025, for the Local Government election in the state.

The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, announced this in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Funmilayo Odunlami, on Thursday, January 16.

Afolabi said the directive was for security reasons.

He stated: “Commuters who may have a reason to use the state as passage are pre-informed of the restrictions to help adjust their plans ahead of the d-day.

“However, security personnel, health workers, firefighters and other essential service providers are allowed free movement to carry out their duties. Cases of emergency are also considered for movement.

“We urge all eligible voters to abide by the rules guiding the electoral process while carrying out their civic duties.

“All intending miscreants who may want to cause mayhem on election day are warned to stay clear.

“All machineries are in place to nip any untoward act as they raise their ugly heads.”

Aiyedatiwa dissolves cabinet, retains 2 Ondo commissioners

The police commissioner added that adequate security had been put in place for both human and material resources to ensure smooth passage of the election.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has withdrawn from the local government election in the state.

The Ondo PDP Director of Media and Publicity, Leye Igbabo, made this known in a statement on Thursday.

Igbabo said: “This decision is a product of several layers of consultations of party leaders, stakeholders and the national secretariat of our great party.

“Our party fielded 15 chairmanship candidates in 15 local government areas and 131 councillorship candidates.

“But, from all indications, ODIEC’s credibility, transparency, and impartiality have failed the integrity test.

“Recent observations and reports point to a troubling pattern of double standards by ODIEC, raising serious doubts about their ability to conduct a free, fair, and credible election.

“PDP as a responsible political party, is committed to democracy and the rule of law

“The party cannot, in good conscience, confer legitimacy on a compromised process by participating in the election. This withdrawal is in line with our stance on integrity.

“We have, therefore, resolved to withdraw our participation in this exercise to uphold the integrity of our party and our unwavering belief in credible electoral practices.

“We further assure our teeming supporters, and the good people of Ondo State, that our commitment to sanitise the electoral  process is irrevocable.”

The Star