The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Saturday described as cowardly, the withdrawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the local government election in the state.
The PDP Director of Media and Publicity in the state, Mr. Leye Igbagbo, on Thursday announced the withdrawal of the party from the election.
Aiyedatiwa spoke to journalists after casting his vote at polling Unit 5, Ugbo Ward 4, in Ilaje local government area of the state.
He said: “For PDP to pull out, that is cowardice. They participated in the whole process. ODIEC released the timetable for the election on time and I don’t know the reason for the withdrawal.
“Maybe the fear of losing. Every election has its own logistics and other political parties are participating.
“So, whatever reason that made them withdraw, I am not privy to that.”
The governor also described the election as a step towards enhancing grassroots development.
He reiterated the commitment of his administration to the effective running of the local government system in the state in line with the provisions of the law.
Aiyedatiwa commended the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) for the seamless conduct of the polls and thanked the people for participating in the exercise.
“I just cast my vote without any crisis. This is just what happened on the November 16 governorship election which was adjudged to be free and fair.
“The materials arrived early and the security and citizens are here. They are participating and at the end of the day, just as we have in the last election, we don’t expect anything else,” the governor added.