PDP wins all but one seat in Delta state council polls

Asaba, Delta State — The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) emerged victorious in the July 13 council polls, winning in 24 local government areas across Delta State. The Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) announced the results on Sunday at its headquarters in Asaba.

Dr. Jerry Agbaike, DSIEC Chairman, stated that the Allied People’s Movement (APM) secured a win in one electoral ward in Oshimili South local government area.

However, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central senatorial district, criticized the election process, labeling it as a “mere coronation” of PDP-nominated candidates. He accused the state electoral body of acting under the influence of the state governor, alleging that figures were arbitrarily assigned to candidates.

Dafinone condemned the election as a “complete sham and a mockery of democratic ideals and standards,” expressing concerns about the undermining of local electoral systems by state governors. He emphasized the need for constitutional amendments to protect the autonomy of local governments from state governors’ control.

Reacting to the election outcome, Dafinone applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting financial autonomy for local governments, following a recent Supreme Court judgment. He urged for collective efforts to amend the constitution to ensure free and fair local government elections.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) had anticipated the electoral irregularities, leading most of their candidates to withdraw from the polls.

“It’s very unfortunate and sad how low our people can go to acquire power,” Dafinone remarked. He criticized the election’s conduct, noting the lack of electoral materials in opposition strongholds and the absence of voting materials in some wards.

Dafinone called for bipartisan efforts to amend the constitution, suggesting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should oversee local government elections to ensure democratic governance at the grassroots level.

“I must commend the laudable effort of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking the lead in this respect by ensuring financial autonomy for the local governments across the country. We must do likewise to enthrone democratic principles at the local government level,” Dafinone concluded.