The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, winner of Ondo State’s governorship election. The results were announced by the Returning Officer, Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi, at INEC headquarters, Akure, on Saturday.
Aiyedatiwa secured a total of 366,781 votes, far ahead of his closest contender, Ajayi Agboola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 117,845 votes, and Dr. Abbas Mimiko of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), who received 2,692 votes.
Local Government Results
Detailed results show APC’s dominance across the 18 local government areas (LGAs):
- Akoko North East: APC – 25,657; PDP – 5,072.
- Ifedore: APC – 14,157; PDP – 5,897.
- Akure South: APC – 32,969; PDP – 17,926.
- Okitipupa: APC – 26,811; PDP – 10,233.
The APC’s commanding performance extended even to strongholds of its rivals, including Agboola Ajayi’s Ese-Odo LGA, where APC scored 14,511 votes, leaving PDP with 7,814 votes.
Post-Election Reactions
Agboola Ajayi, the PDP candidate, criticized the electoral process, citing voter suppression, BVAS inefficiencies, and alleged compromise by the Ondo REC, Oluwatoyin Babalola. “This election reflects systemic flaws and compromised integrity,” Ajayi stated, calling for INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu’s resignation.
Significance of Aiyedatiwa’s Victory
Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who assumed governorship in December 2023 following the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, will now serve a full term starting February 2025. His victory cements APC’s hold on Ondo State, signaling continuity in governance.
Election Summary:
- APC: 366,781 votes
- PDP: 117,845 votes
- ZLP: 2,692 votes
- Total Votes Cast: 508,963
The election underscores APC’s growing influence in the region, leaving a fractured opposition in its wake.