With just days left until the Ondo State governorship election on November 16, major political parties are intensifying their campaigns across the state. However, instead of presenting clear, impactful agendas, the election rhetoric has increasingly been dominated by personal attacks, allegations and accusations.
Many voters, weary of these tactics, are voicing disappointment, struggling to see substantial promises that will meaningfully address their concerns.
Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lifted the ban on campaign in June, political activities only gained momentum in late October.
The All Progressives Congress’ (APC) candidate and incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Peoples Democratic Party’ (PDP) candidate, Agboola Ajayi, and New Nigeria Peoples Party’s (NNPP) candidate, Olugbenga Edema have emerged as the most visible contenders.
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Campaign posters and rallies have filled the streets, with Aiyedatiwa and Ajayi – both former deputies to late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu – focusing their promises on addressing key issues like healthcare, infrastructure, and youth employment.
However, the campaigns have largely been overshadowed by controversies, including disputes over the status of INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola.
The PDP has accused her of bias, claiming she’s too close to the APC, while youth groups affiliated with the PDP have staged protests demanding her redeployment. But INEC has defended Babalola’s neutrality, insisting it remains committed to a fair election.
Rising tension and attacks fuel voter frustration
The campaign season has also seen incidents of violence, raising tension and concerns about electoral integrity. During a recent PDP meeting in Odopetu, suspected thugs attacked party members, an incident the PDP attributed to APC supporters. The APC, however, dismissed the accusation as baseless.
In another instance, the PDP accused the state government of blocking its access to Akure’s popular M.K.O Abiola Democracy Park for a campaign event. While the opposition claimed the venue was unfairly withheld, APC representatives stated that the governor had no control over the park’s management.
Voters are particularly concerned about a series of fake videos circulating on social media, including one showing a man resembling Aiyedatiwa behaving aggressively. Despite the videos being debunked, their circulation has fueled distrust.
Consequently, the Ondo State Police Command has warned that misinformation could incite unrest, urging parties to refrain from spreading inflammatory content.
Campaign promises: voters demand substance
Beyond controversies, Aiyedatiwa and Ajayi’s campaign promises have been met with scepticism. Both candidates have highlighted development plans, such as improving local healthcare, boosting security, and promoting economic growth.
Aiyedatiwa, who has toured local government areas, promised enhanced security, infrastructure improvements, and continued support for the state’s Amotekun security outfit.
Ajayi, meanwhile, pledged to redirect part of the governor’s security budget toward youth employment initiatives, claiming this could help address crime by reducing unemployment.
Despite these promises, many Ondo residents remain unconvinced. Jonathan Obatola, an Akure resident, expressed disappointment, saying the candidates are “talking about what they will do, but they’re not giving us a clear path to get there.
“We’ve heard these promises before, but look around—nothing much has changed.” He added that his family had struggled to access healthcare services in the area, yet none of the candidates had presented clear strategies for resolving healthcare issues.
Another resident, Ajibola Ayodokun, described the campaign events as “mostly about song and dance, with little meaningful engagement with voters.”
According to Ayodokun, “They seem to think we’re more interested in the fanfare than actual plans. It’s as if they’re avoiding the real issues that matter to us.”
He emphasised that the candidates need to clarify their positions on healthcare, education, and jobs for the youth.
For Adebayo Adegbola, a farmer in Okitipupa, the promises about agricultural support felt hollow. “Every election, they come here and talk about helping farmers and improving agriculture. But we’re still using outdated tools, and there’s no support from the government,” he said.
“If they’re serious, let them show us how they’re going to bring real change to our farms,” he added.
Analysts criticise quality of campaigns
Also, political analysts have joined voters in criticising the campaigns’ lack of depth. Olaoluwa Akindolire, an economist and social activist, argued that candidates are neglecting critical issues, such as Ondo’s budget performance, which he said has dropped to less than 25 per cent in recent years.
“Rather than focusing on real issues, they are engaging in personal attacks and political jamborees,” he noted. He urged the candidates to focus on solutions to the state’s economic and infrastructure challenges.
Another analyst, Adaramola Emmanuel, flawed the shallow approach of the campaigns, saying, “The people want to know how these candidates will address health, education and agricultural needs, not just see their posters plastered around.”
Parties respond to criticisms
In response, PDP spokesman, Kennedy Peretei, said Ajayi has a clear programme for improving healthcare, education and infrastructure, and is engaging voters on the need for a leadership change.
“The current administration has failed to prove why they deserve to continue in office,” Peretei said, calling Aiyedatiwa’s tenure disappointing.
Similarly, APC spokesman, Steve Otaloro, countered the claims, highlighting Aiyedatiwa’s focus on continued development and progress.
“The people of Ondo State deserve to know the true policies and ideas each candidate offers,” Otaloro said, adding that residents would “choose continuity and progress over the PDP’s misinformation.”
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