Agboola Ajayi, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo, says he does not trust the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a credible election.

Ajayi spoke on Saturday after casting his ballot at his polling unit in Ese-Odo LGA.

The former deputy governor criticised the commission’s pace, saying it is a deliberate attempt to rig the polls.

“The system is not perfect, things are not working,” Ajayi told reporters.

“A lot of complaints here and there… INEC cannot organise elections in just one state.”

In a previous interview, Ajayi alleged that Oluwatoyin Babalola, the state’s resident electoral commissioner (REC), met with Lucky Aiyedatiwa, incumbent governor, and the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I think it’s deliberate on the part of INEC and the part of the REC,” he said.

“We can’t trust you. The system is compromised, people are complaining about vote buying, BVAs are not working. It’s very shameful.

“I think Nigerians should call on the chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. If he cannot do the job, he should just resign. This is embarrassing.

“This is sad and Nigerians are not happy.”

Ajayi also faulted the presence of armed military officers.

According to the PDP candidate, their proximity “intimidated voters”.

Ajayi, who served as deputy governor between 2017 and 2021, is running against Aiyedatiwa and 15 other candidates.

He however said he would win the election “convincingly”.