The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Saturday cast his vote in the state local government elections organised by the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission(ODIEC).
Aiyedatiwa, however, described the withdrawal of the leading opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) from the exercise as act of cowardice.
Mr Leye Igbagbo, Director of Media and Publicity in the state, had on Thursday announced the withdrawal of the party from the elections in a statement, Thefrontrank reports.
Aiyedatiwa stated this while speaking with journalists after casting his vote at Polling Unit 5, Ugbo Ward 4, in Ilaje Local Government Area.
The governor, who said he was not privy to the reasons adduced by PDP for the withdrawal, said the party participated in all the processes of the elections.
“For the PDP to to pull out, that is cowardice, they participated in the whole process. ODIEC released the time table for the election on time, I don’t know the reason for that (withdrawal).
“Maybe the fear of losing. every election has its own logistics and other political parties are participating whatever reason that made them withdraw, I am not privy to that,” he said.
He described the elections as a step towards enhancing grassroots development.
The governor 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 ODIEC for the seamless conduct of the polls, and thanked the electorate for participating in the elections.
