The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, on Sunday, said it has yet to make any decision regarding its participation in the local government councils election scheduled for April 23, as announced by the State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, on Sunday, said it has yet to make any decision regarding its participation in the local government councils election scheduled for April 23, as announced by the State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement, obtained by a SaharaReporters correspondent, issued by the Party’s Director of Publicity, Steve Otaloro restated that the coming a "sham" meant to hoodwink the opposition Party given the time frame
Mr. Otaloro noted that the APC had thoroughly discussed its participation in the LG election during its State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting.
The Director of Publicity noted that the Party still intended to consult the Central Working Committee (CEC) of the APC at the national level.
"We would like to state unequivocally that no decision has been taken yet by the Party on whether to participate or not in the local government election.
"Though our party's participation or otherwise has been thoroughly discussed at the State Executive Committee and the expanded Executive.
“The conclusion that was reached was that the election is a sham meant to trap our party by Governor Mimiko, who often boasted of capable of springing surprises and initiating political intrigues to checkmate our party's rising profile and popularity in the State,” Mr. Otaloro said.
However, before a final decision can be made the Central Working Committee will need to examine the objections of the Party’s Leadership Consultative Forum.
Mr. Otaloro also noted that there was a pending case at the supreme court concerning the erstwhile local councils chairmen, elected under the late Governor Olusegun Agagu, but who were sacked immediately after Governor Mimiko came into office.
The statement added further that the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) was allegedly composed of card-carry members of the Labour Party (LP), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) being financed by Governor Mimiko.
The statement concluded by calling on the government to conduct free and fair elections.
“In spite of all these, our options are still open, but first and foremost, we will like to see the commitment of this government in conducting a free, fair, and credible process leading to the election, to resolve the status of the court case instituted against it that is still pending at the Supreme Court,” it stated.