Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged victorious in the Ondo State gubernatorial election.
The announcement was made on Sunday by Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, the Returning Officer for the election and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State.
This victory solidifies Aiyedatiwa’s position as the governor of the Sunshine State and extends his leadership at the Government House in Alagbaka, Akure.
The incumbent governor secured a commanding win, polling 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival, Ajayi Agboola, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Agboola, a former deputy governor, garnered 117,845 votes, a figure more than twice lower than that of the APC candidate.
The landslide victory was further emphasized as the APC cleared all 18 local government areas in the state, cementing their dominance in Ondo’s political landscape.
The results were declared at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation centre in Akure at precisely 2:30 pm.
Professor Akinwumi, while making the declaration, stated, “That Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of the APC, having satisfied the requirement of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.”
This statement marked the culmination of a process that began in the early hours of Sunday, with collation breaks punctuating the announcement of results.
Despite this, the APC maintained a commanding lead throughout the process, leaving no room for doubt about Aiyedatiwa’s victory.
The election followed a period of intense political activity in Ondo State.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who assumed the governorship on December 27, 2023, after the demise of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, faced a formidable challenge from Ajayi Agboola and 16 other candidates.
Aiyedatiwa’s leadership in the 10 months leading to the election became a focal point of his campaign, with his administration touting significant achievements in governance, economic policies, and worker welfare.
One of the governor’s major campaign highlights was his approval of a minimum wage of ₦73,000 for workers in the state, surpassing the Federal Government’s benchmark of ₦70,000.
This decision, he argued, reflected his commitment to improving the livelihoods of Ondo residents.
He further pledged to continue economic reforms and enhance the quality of governance if given the mandate to remain in office.
While the election day witnessed a peaceful process with INEC officials arriving early at polling units, the aftermath saw significant controversy.
Ajayi Agboola, the PDP candidate, accused INEC of compromising the process.
He alleged delays in voting, issues with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and instances of vote-buying.
Agboola did not mince words, calling for the resignation of INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, citing what he described as “a totally compromised” system.
Observers also pointed out the prevalence of vote-buying during the election.
Despite the high presence of security personnel, reports indicated that trading votes for money occurred openly in many areas.
The Situation Room, an electoral watchdog, expressed concerns, stating, “Vote trading went on openly and unchecked during the voting hours.”
Such reports underscore the persistent challenges in Nigeria’s electoral process and the need for reforms to curb these malpractices.
For Aiyedatiwa, this victory represents not just a political win but also an opportunity to consolidate his leadership and deliver on his promises to the people of Ondo State.
Addressing reporters after casting his vote, the governor expressed confidence in his administration’s performance, stating, “I believe I’m in an advantaged position to win this election because of the work that I have done in the last 10 months since I assumed office as the governor of the state.”
The election also marked a significant moment in Ondo’s political history, with the APC demonstrating its ability to maintain its hold on the state even after the untimely passing of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Aiyedatiwa’s ascension to power followed Akeredolu’s death, which left a significant void in the state’s leadership.
However, Aiyedatiwa’s seamless transition and subsequent election victory have reassured many that the APC remains a formidable force in Ondo State.
In his post-election remarks, Aiyedatiwa reiterated his commitment to serving the people of Ondo State and building on the foundations laid during his first 10 months in office.
He promised to prioritize infrastructural development, economic growth, and the welfare of the people.
The governor also expressed gratitude to the people of Ondo for their support and pledged to work tirelessly to justify the trust placed in him.
The PDP, meanwhile, faces a moment of reckoning after this significant defeat.
Ajayi Agboola’s loss highlights the challenges facing the opposition party in regaining relevance in Ondo State.
His allegations of electoral malpractice and vote-buying, though serious, have not diminished the margin of Aiyedatiwa’s victory, which reflects a strong mandate from the people.
Looking ahead, Aiyedatiwa’s administration will need to address the pressing issues facing Ondo State, including economic diversification, job creation, and infrastructural development.
The governor’s policies and programs in the coming years will determine whether he can sustain the goodwill of the people and fulfill the expectations set during his campaign.
Observers and political analysts will be watching closely to see how Aiyedatiwa navigates the challenges of governance and consolidates his political base.
His ability to deliver on his promises and maintain the APC’s dominance in the state will likely influence the broader political landscape in Nigeria.
For now, however, Aiyedatiwa’s victory marks a moment of celebration for the APC and its supporters in Ondo State.
The election results have affirmed the party’s position as the dominant political force in the state, providing a platform for continued leadership and governance.
As the dust settles on the election, attention will shift to the task of governance and the need to address the aspirations of the people of Ondo State.
Aiyedatiwa’s resounding victory is a testament to the trust and confidence reposed in him by the electorate, and it is now his responsibility to live up to those expectations.
The governor’s mandate is clear: to build a brighter and more prosperous future for Ondo State and to ensure that his leadership leaves a lasting legacy.
With the backing of the people and the support of the APC, Aiyedatiwa has a unique opportunity to shape the destiny of the Sunshine State for the better.
This election has not only reaffirmed Aiyedatiwa’s position as governor but also highlighted the resilience and determination of the people of Ondo State.
Their participation in the democratic process and their commitment to shaping their future are a source of inspiration and a reminder of the power of democracy in action.
As Aiyedatiwa prepares to embark on his new term, the eyes of Ondo State, Nigeria, and the world will be on him.
His leadership will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the state in the years to come, and his ability to deliver on his promises will determine his place in the annals of Ondo’s history.
For now, the people of Ondo State can look forward to a new chapter under the leadership of Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, a governor who has pledged to prioritize their needs and aspirations.
The journey ahead may be challenging, but with determination, vision, and commitment, the future of the Sunshine State looks bright.
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