PDP ready for LG poll despite doubtful credibility – Deputy chair
The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has declared its readiness to participate in the 2025 local government elections despite expressing concerns over the credibility of the process.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, the PDP Deputy Chairm–n in Lagos State, Tai Benedict, affirmed the party’s commitment to contesting the elections.
His comments came after a Sunday statement by the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Cornelius Ojelabi, that council elections would be held in all 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas in 2025.
“We don’t boycott elections. It is always very dangerous to boycott any election,” Benedict stated. “If you boycott elections, you lose your followers on the other side.”
However, Benedict expressed skepticism about the fairness of the electoral process, referencing past experiences and the political climate under the current administration.
“But we all know that the matter is, even if you win an election, they will not give you. And now that the ‘Supreme General’ is the President, it is going to be worse.
But I want to tell you, the PDP will participate in the local government elections; we will fully participate.”
When asked about his faith in the electoral process, Benedict cited remarks made by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, following the Edo and Ondo State governorship elections.
Yakubu had stated that INEC had learned lessons from previous elections, including the need to improve logistics and result management to ensure better outcomes.
“What is that thing that happened in Edo? The INEC chairman openly said that. That ‘we will make sure that what happened in Edo did not happen in Ondo.’ What is that thing that happened in Edo that they don’t want to happen in Ondo?” Benedict asked, suggesting underlying issues in the electoral process.
Despite these concerns, Benedict, however, reiterated the PDP’s resolve to support its candidates and encourage participation.
“The PDP is definitely ready to participate. We are not going to stop our people who are willing to participate. We are not going to stop them, and we are not going to force them either,” he said.
