Ondo Governorship Election: PDP and APC in Heated Dispute Over Alleged Peace Accord Breaches

The Ondo State gubernatorial race heats up as the PDP accuses the APC of breaking a peace agreement meant to ensure a fair election, while the APC denies the claims as baseless

As the Ondo governorship election draws near, allegations of peace accord violations have sparked a rift between the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Both parties had previously signed a peace agreement, along with 15 other political entities, to maintain order and fairness during the electoral process. However, tensions are running high as accusations of aggression and alleged breaches threaten the accord.

Dr. Eddy Olafeso, head of the PDP’s campaign efforts, claimed that APC-linked individuals violated the peace accord in recent clashes in Idanre, which resulted in injuries to several PDP supporters. Among the injured was Otunba Olowoniyi Akinlemimu, who reportedly sustained severe injuries and is now under intensive care at the State Specialists Hospital in Akure. Other individuals wounded in the incident are also receiving medical treatment for gunshot injuries.

Olafeso criticized the response of security agencies, stating that despite the injuries inflicted on PDP members, no arrests were made. He further alleged that personnel from various national security organizations, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs, and the Nigeria Correctional Service, had been deployed with the intent of influencing the election’s outcome. “These activities undermine the peace accord we all signed, creating a dangerous precedent if left unchecked,” Olafeso stated. He urged law enforcement to act impartially and warned that tampering with a free and fair election could trigger unrest.

The PDP also directed calls to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for transparency, particularly in the transmission of election results, referencing concerns over similar issues in recent elections, including in Edo State.

In response, the APC refuted the PDP’s claims, with its Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, labeling the accusations as unfounded and dismissing them as tactics designed to distract from the party’s agenda. According to Otaloro, APC leaders remain committed to the peace accord and believe that the overwhelming support for incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will lead them to victory without resorting to violence or manipulation.

Otaloro also denied claims regarding the involvement of security agencies in the electoral process, explaining that immigration and correctional officers have no legal role in election management. “These are fabrications intended to mislead the public and create fear,” he remarked, adding that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has already ensured adequate security with over 22,000 officers being deployed to safeguard the election.

He urged the PDP to respect the process, emphasizing that the APC is committed to an issue-based campaign that highlights their achievements and future plans for Ondo residents. As the race intensifies, both parties continue to exchange accusations, with the PDP alleging misconduct and the APC refuting each claim as election-day approaches.