The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday retained its hold on Ondo State after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared its candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the winner of Saturday’s governorship election.
The Returning Officer, Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi, made the announcement at the state collation centre located at INEC’s headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure.
Prof. Akinwunmi, who also serves as the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja, Kogi State, declared that Aiyedatiwa garnered 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 117,845 votes. Adeyemi Nejo of the African Democratic Party (ADP) came third with 4,138 votes.
“That Aiyedatiwa Lucky Orimisan of the APC, having satisfied all the requirements of the law and scored the majority of lawful votes, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected,” Prof. Akinwunmi declared.
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Daily Trust reports that Aiyedatiwa won all 18 local government areas in the state, including Ese Odo, the home LGA of the PDP candidate, to achieve a landslide victory.
Vote-buying, low turnout mar peaceful election
Despite the largely peaceful conduct of the election, incidents of vote-buying and low voter turnout tarnished the process, observers have noted.
The Department of State Security (DSS) apprehended individuals suspected of vote-buying, including one incident at St Stephen Polling Unit in Ward 4, Akure. Reports from election monitors such as Yiaga Africa and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) indicated widespread financial inducement of voters by both the APC and PDP.
Yiaga Africa’s preliminary report revealed that voters were offered sums ranging from N3,000 to N20,000 in exchange for votes.
“In some cases, party agents resorted to transferring money electronically to circumvent restrictions on cash transactions,” the report stated.
The Centre for Democracy and Development also noted similar patterns, citing cases in Okitipupa and Odigbo LGAs where APC agents allegedly offered N10,000 per vote while PDP agents paid N3,000.
Observers condemned the prevalence of vote-buying, with Yiaga Africa describing it as a persistent threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system. “It contributes to electoral corruption and political inequality,” said Mr Ezenwa Nwagwu, Chair of Yiaga Africa’s 2024 Ondo Election Mission.
On low voter turnout it said out of 1,757,205 eligible voters (those with PVCs) in the state, only 510,855 were accredited to vote, representing a turnout of approximately 29%.
Civil society organisations, including Yiaga Africa and the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, expressed disappointment over the low turnout, attributing it to voter apathy and economic challenges.
Prof. Emmanuel Ojo, a political scientist, remarked, “The harsh economic policies of the federal government have likely discouraged potential voters. Many feel disillusioned, believing that their votes do not translate to tangible benefits.”
Aiyedatiwa’s journey to victory
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s triumph marks a continuation of the APC’s dominance in Ondo State. He had served as deputy to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who passed away in December 2023. Following Akeredolu’s death, Aiyedatiwa assumed office to complete his late principal’s term.
Political analysts attribute Aiyedatiwa’s victory to several factors, including the APC’s extensive grassroots mobilisation and the use of financial incentives during the campaign. The governor’s ability to maintain stability in the state after Akeredolu’s demise also resonated with voters.
Aiyedatiwa’s supporters argue that his tenure, though brief before the election, provided a glimpse into his governance style. He focused on consolidating Akeredolu’s legacy while addressing key issues such as security and infrastructure development.
Tinubu urges candidates to seek legal redress
Reacting to the outcome, President Bola Tinubu congratulated Governor Aiyedatiwa and praised INEC for its efficient conduct of the election. Tinubu commended the commission for uploading over 98% of results on the same day of voting, which he described as a significant improvement in electoral transparency.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu urged aggrieved candidates to channel their grievances through the courts. “Candidates dissatisfied with the outcome of the election should explore judicial avenues to seek redress,” the statement read.
The president also lauded the professionalism of security agencies, including the police, military, and civil defence corps, in maintaining peace during the election.
APC sets sights on Osun, Oyo
Buoyed by its victory in Ondo, the APC has declared its intention to wrest control of Osun and Oyo states from opposition parties.
Speaking after the election, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje said, “Our next target in the South West is Osun and Oyo states. We will do everything possible to bring these states into the APC fold for political homogeneity in the region.”
Ganduje’s remarks reflect the APC’s broader strategy of consolidating power in the South West, a move that has drawn criticism from opposition parties.
While Oyo’s next election is not until the 2027 general election, voters in Osun State will be going to the polls in 2026.
Aiyedatiwa calls for unity
In his acceptance speech, Governor Aiyedatiwa extended an olive branch to his opponents, urging them to join him in building a better Ondo State.
“Now that the elections are over, it is time to rededicate ourselves to the service of our dear state. I extend a hand of fellowship to the opposition parties and invite them to collaborate with us in creating a brighter future for Ondo State,” he said.
The governor pledged to run an inclusive administration and prioritise the welfare of residents. He also dedicated his victory to God and the late Governor Akeredolu, vowing to uphold the legacy of his predecessor.
PDP rejects results, threatens legal action
Meanwhile, the PDP has rejected the election results, accusing the APC of using over N35 billion to induce voters. Olaniyi Ogungbuji, the PDP’s collation agent, described the election as heavily compromised.
“This is the end result, but it came at a cost. The APC deployed over N35 billion to buy votes. If this is the future of our democracy, then we are doomed,” Ogungbuji said.
He also alleged that elections did not take place at some polling units in Idanre LGA, but his position was discarded at the collation centre.
He added that the party would decide on its next course of action after consultations with its candidate, Agboola Ajayi.
However, the APC dismissed the allegations as baseless. Ade Adeogun, the APC’s collation agent, said, “Without evidence, you can’t just go around making flippant excuses. They lost woefully, and now they are looking for straws to hold onto.”
Adeogun advised the PDP to accept defeat and focus on rebuilding its structure ahead of future elections.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (IGP), Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, has commended the efforts of officers, who he said in collaboration with other election security agencies and stakeholders ensured the process was peaceful, free, and credible.
However, the police chief noted, “It is important to state that during the electoral process, we received reports of isolated incidents, with some arrests made. Although these incidents were inconsequential, the security agents deployed were able to effectively manage the situations.”
He added, “As we look to the future, I would like to reaffirm the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to upholding and protecting democratic principles. The Force remains resolute in its mission to effectively ensure election security.
“Our work does not end here; we will continue to advocate for a transparent electoral process and foster an environment where democracy can thrive.
“In this post-election period, I urge all citizens to unite in a spirit of cooperation. As we move forward, let us embrace our shared values and work collectively for the betterment of our nation. Our strength lies in our ability to unite, regardless of our differences, and to support the democratic process that binds us together.”
Victory endorsement of Tinubu’s administration – Sen. Barau
In his congratulatory message, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, described Aiyedatiwa’s victory as endorsement of the APC and President Tinubu’s administration.
Senator Barau in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, also commended INEC for upholding the people’s will as expressed by their votes.
He also applauded the “visionary leadership” of the national chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, which he said has given the party more cohesion and victories in Imo, Kogi and Edo governorship elections.
“This victory is a further endorsement of our great party, the APC, and a reaffirmation of the confidence of the people of the state in the exemplary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
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