Ondo
Ondo: 12 Parties Await Chairmanship, Councillor Election Results
Twelve political parties, which contested for chairmanship and councillor offices in the local government elections, are eagerly awaiting the results after the conclusion of voting.
The election, which was initially postponed several times, took place across all 18 local government areas of the state.
The last council election in Ondo State was held on August 23, 2020, and the tenure of the elected council officials expired on August 22, 2023.
Since then, the administration of the 18 council areas has been managed by civil servants, specifically the Heads of Local Government Administrations.
A total of 12 political parties participated in the election, including:
– *Action Alliance*
– *Action Democratic Party*
– *Action People’s Party*
– *All Progressives Congress*
– *All Progressives Grand Alliance*
– *Boot Party*
– *Labour Party*
– *National Rescue Party*
– *New Nigeria Peoples Party*
– *Social Democratic Party*
– *Young Progressive Party*
– *Zenith Labour Party*
Notably, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has withdrawn from the election, citing concerns over the credibility of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission.
The Chairman of ODIEC, Dr. Joseph Aremo, assured that the commission was fully prepared to conduct the election, with adequate security measures in place.
The State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, also warned that police will not hesitate to arrest any miscreants who may attempt to cause violence during the election.
To facilitate the election, the state government declared Friday, January 17, 2025, a work-free day, and restricted movement in the state between 6 am and 4 pm today. As of now, the situation remains calm in Akure, with policemen stationed at strategic points along major roads. Business and commercial activities are also shut in compliance with the directive.