As Ondo State gears up for its off-cycle governorship election on Saturday, President Bola Tinubu has called on political stakeholders and voters to ensure a peaceful and transparent process. Speaking through his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasized the importance of a democratic exercise that genuinely reflects the people’s will.
A total of 1,757,205 registered voters are expected to head to 3,933 polling units across the state to elect a governor for the next four years. The election features 18 political parties, but analysts predict a tight contest between the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Agboola Ajayi.
Court Orders Candidate Replacement
In a last-minute twist, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) replaced the Labour Party’s candidate, Olusola Ebiseni, with Dr. Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus following a Court of Appeal ruling. The appellate court overturned an earlier Federal High Court judgment, reinstating Ayodele as the rightful candidate. INEC confirmed the decision in a public statement, ensuring compliance with the court’s directive.
Heightened Security Measures
To ensure a smooth electoral process, security has been significantly bolstered. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun announced the deployment of 43,157 personnel, including officers from allied security agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service and Civil Defence Corps.
Armed forces and police units have been stationed at strategic locations, including the INEC headquarters in Akure. Advanced security tools like drones, helicopters, and sniffer dogs have also been deployed. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, assured voters of professional conduct by security personnel, urging them to report any cash-for-vote incidents.
INEC’s Readiness
INEC has reaffirmed its preparedness, noting the successful distribution of election materials to all 18 local government areas. The commission also revealed that out of 2,053,061 registered voters, 1,757,205 had collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), representing an 86.5% turnout.
President Tinubu’s Appeal
President Tinubu commended INEC for its meticulous preparations and security forces for their dedication to maintaining order. He urged candidates to respect the democratic process, emphasizing that leadership is a privilege granted by the people.
“Let us consolidate our 25 years of democratic governance by ensuring a free and fair election in Ondo,” Tinubu said.
Focus on Ondo South
The election’s main battleground is Ondo South, where all 17 candidates hail from. This dynamic adds intensity to an already closely watched poll. The winner will succeed the current administration on February 25, 2025, taking up residence at Alagbaka Government House.
With a commitment to fairness and peace, Ondo State looks set to deliver another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.