The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally rejected the re-election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, calling the victory in Saturday’s governorship election a “sham.” The PDP, led by its National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, voiced strong opposition to the outcome, alleging widespread electoral malpractice and intimidation.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Ologunagba criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what he described as a “rigged” process, claiming that the electoral body favored Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to the PDP, the election was marred by vote-buying and other forms of manipulation that undermined democracy.

“The PDP and indeed all lovers of democracy in Nigeria have just witnessed the worst election conducted by INEC,” Ologunagba said. “This election witnessed the height of electoral swindle, deceit, and manipulation by the APC.”

The election result showed Aiyedatiwa securing 366,781 votes, defeating Agboola Ajayi of the PDP, who garnered 117,845 votes. Aiyedatiwa’s victory was marked by a dominant performance across all 18 local government areas in the state.

The PDP further alleged that the APC had used state resources to suppress voter participation and manipulate the election outcome, accusing the ruling party of turning poverty into a tool of subjugation. Ologunagba called for immediate international attention to the alleged electoral malpractice, warning that it could destabilize Nigeria’s democracy if left unchecked.

Responding to the PDP’s claims, the APC dismissed the allegations, with its National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, criticizing the opposition party’s reaction. Ibrahim suggested that the PDP had developed a pattern of blaming the APC and INEC whenever it lost an election.

“Even if there is an eclipse of the sun or moon in Nigeria, the PDP will blame it on the APC,” Ibrahim said. “They fail to understand that times have changed. Nigerians now value their votes and have rejected the PDP for their 16 years of misrule.”

Ibrahim further defended Aiyedatiwa’s victory, pointing out the significant margin of over 200,000 votes, which he argued made the allegations of fraud implausible. “If it’s an election of 10 to 50 votes, yes, we could have a conversation,” Ibrahim said. “But not one with over 200,000 votes.”

As the political rhetoric continues to heat up, the PDP has vowed to conduct a more detailed review of the election outcome and explore all legal avenues to challenge the result, while the APC remains confident in its victory.