#OndoDecides2024: Aiyedatiwa trounces Ajayi, others, clears all 18 LGAs, as PDP kicks
…This mandate is yours, I won’t disappoint you — Aiyedatiwa hails Ondo people
…PDP rejects Ondo election results, accuses APC of vote buying, manipulation
…Sanwo-Olu hails Ondo voters, promises continued success for APC in South-West
…Tinubu hails peaceful conduct, urges judicial recourse for dissatisfied candidates
By Our Correspondents
In a landslide victory in the 2024 Ondo State governorship election, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has trounced his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other contenders, securing a sweeping win across all 18 local government areas of the state.
Aiyedatiwa garnered 366,781 votes, while Ajayi received 117,845 votes. Despite the clear margin, the PDP has vehemently rejected the results, accusing the APC of widespread electoral manipulation, including vote-buying and voter suppression, and pledging to challenge the outcome.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday officially declared Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Ondo State governorship election held on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
In the results announced by the collation officer, Professor Olayemi Akinwunmi, at INEC’s State Headquarters in Akure, Aiyedatiwa’s performance was not just an electoral victory but also a symbolic triumph for the APC in the state, where the ruling party has remained a formidable force in recent years.
The Labour Party (LP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) secured 1,162 and 2,692 votes, respectively, failing to make a significant impact on the overall outcome.
Reacting to his victory, Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to the people of Ondo State for their support, vowing to continue the economic and infrastructural development agenda initiated by his predecessor.
Addressing journalists at the Government House in Akure shortly after the announcement, an elated Governor Aiyedatiwa described his victory as a triumph for democracy, unity, and progress of the State.
He said, “This is not just my victory; it is a victory for all the people of Ondo State, I am deeply honoured by the overwhelming support and trust you have placed in me to continue leading our great state. This mandate is yours and it reinforces my resolve to work tirelessly for the betterment of every citizen.
“I stand before you this day, on the threshold of history, to accept the results of the 2024 gubernatorial election held in our Sunshine State. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and pledge to work tirelessly to justify the trust you have reposed in me.
“As your Governor, I promise to continue to run an inclusive and participatory government, where every citizen has a voice and an opportunity to contribute to our collective progress.
“We will continue to prioritise the welfare of our people, foster economic growth, and ensure that our state remains a beacon of hope and prosperity for generations to come,” he assured.
The Governor, who was accompanied by his deputy and running mate, Dr Olayide Adelami, commended INEC for conducting a credible election and acknowledged the professionalism of security agencies for maintaining peace throughout the process.
“Let me commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a free, fair, and credible election. The security agencies across the board are also deserving of our gratitude for being very professional in their assignment and maintaining peace throughout the exercise,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and support, as well as the APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulahi Umar Ganduje, and the National Campaign Council led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
“I must appreciate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing exemplary leadership and also ensuring a level playing ground in the just concluded election.
“To the State Chairman and Working Committee of our Party, Campaign team, my family, and friends, we couldn’t have achieved this huge success without your love, commitment, encouragement, and hard work,” he added.
Meanwhile, The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the results of the Ondo State governorship election, which saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate and incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The PDP claims the election was marred by widespread manipulation and vote-buying.
In a strongly-worded statement, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba condemned the election process, describing it as “falling short of all expectations and requirements of a free, fair, and credible election.”
Ologunagba accused the APC of orchestrating what he termed “widespread electoral swindle, deceit, and manipulation,” alleging that the ruling party engaged in vote buying, monetization of the election process, and voter suppression.
“The poll witnessed widespread election merchandising, monetisation, and barefaced vote buying,” Ologunagba claimed, adding that the PDP would thoroughly review the election results and take “appropriate action” in response to what it described as irregularities.
The party has also called on Nigerians and the international community to take “serious action” to address what it sees as a fundamental threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
“We have just witnessed the worst election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” Ologunagba added. “This is not just a setback for the PDP, but a blow to the democratic process in Nigeria.”
The PDP’s rejection of the election outcome is likely to further escalate tensions in Ondo State, which has seen growing political divisions in the lead-up to the election.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for the Ondo State governorship election, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed deep gratitude to the people of Ondo State for their overwhelming support, which ensured the party’s historic victory in Saturday’s election.
At a post-election press conference in Akure, Sanwo-Olu thanked Ondo voters for their unwavering commitment, noting that despite the scorching sun and long hours at the polls, they demonstrated their dedication by voting in massive numbers for the APC’s candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami.
“Once again, you have rejected those other political parties that represent nothing but retrogression, and you voted for progress. For this, we say thank you,” Sanwo-Olu said, highlighting the importance of the people’s decision to back the APC’s vision for a better future for the state.
Sanwo-Olu attributed the APC’s victory to the excellent groundwork laid by late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, which had been further developed by Aiyedatiwa.
He said, “Our work was made a lot easier by the good job that Governor Akeredolu had done, and we only came here to build layers on that structure.”
The Lagos Governor also underscored the national significance of the victory, linking it to the “Renewed Hope” agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He described the recent series of electoral wins as a direct result of the economic and social reforms initiated by the President.
“Our people can see the direction the country is heading under the leadership of President Tinubu, and the massive support we received will further boost the APC’s efforts towards economic recovery,” Sanwo-Olu added.
Sanwo-Olu also assured that the APC’s winning streak in the South-West will continue, with the party poised to expand its influence in the region.
“The South-West is the home of progressive elements in Nigeria’s political landscape. We will win more states to our fold in due course,” he said.
…President hails peaceful conduct, urges judicial recourse for dissatisfied candidates
Furthermore, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his victory in the Ondo State governorship election, praising the peaceful conduct of the polls and the preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president commended Aiyedatiwa.
Tinubu also congratulated all candidates who participated in the election, acknowledging the maturity and sense of purpose demonstrated during the campaign and voting processes.
“The election was a true test of INEC’s capacity, and the body has proven its competence with early preparations, effective deployment of staff and materials, and the efficient handling of the electoral process,” the statement read.
The president further praised INEC for uploading over 98 percent of the results on the same day of the election, highlighting the timely and transparent conduct of the process.
Tinubu also commended the security forces, including the Nigerian Police, Civil Defence Corps, and the military, for their professionalism in ensuring peace and order during the election. He urged any candidate dissatisfied with the results to seek redress through the judicial system.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Sunday also described Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s resounding victory during Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State as an affirmation of the people’s will and endorsement of his pro-people agenda.
In his congratulatory message, Prince Abiodun emphasised that Aiyedatiwa’s victory was not only well-deserved but also a testament to the outstanding performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
He said, “This victory reflects the unwavering support of the people for our party’s vision and dedication.”
The governor highlighted the APC’s focus on an issue-based campaign, which resonated deeply with the electorate.
Prince Abiodun also commended the collective efforts of all individuals and groups who contributed to the electoral success, saying that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, the NSCDC, among others, did a fantastic job in ensuring a free, fair and credible exercise.
He also acknowledged the leadership of the APC at both the national and state levels for their relentless commitment and perseverance, even as he remarked that the ruling party has been waxing stronger under the leadership of the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
Prince Abiodun also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his exemplary democratic principles, noting, “Since taking office, President Tinubu has championed a level playing field in our electoral processes, ensuring a fair and transparent environment for all candidates.
“This victory not only signifies a milestone for Aiyedatiwa but also reinforces the APC’s stronghold in Ondo State, paving the way for continued progress and development.”
Meanwhile, Democracy and Good Government Watch Initiative, a coalition of civil society organisations that observed the 2024 Ondo State gubernatorial election of 16th November 2024 have commended the people of Ondo State for the peaceful conduct of the election across the 18 local government council areas of the state.
In a press release issued in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the coalition commended the people of Ondo State for coming out peacefully to elect a new helmsman to pilot the affairs of the state for the next four years.
The coalition specially applauded INEC for an excellent performance in the discharge of its functions in the Ondo State gubernatorial election as the whole world looks forward to a credible conclusion of the process with the announcement and declaration of the winner of the election.
The group praised the security agencies for their professionalism and diligence to duty which ensured that the election was generally peaceful across the state.
The media and civil society organisations both local and international who were accredited to observe the election, were also lauded for keeping to the rules of engagement by reporting and observing the election in tandem with global best practices.
However, the coalition frowned at the pockets of reported cases of vote buying in some polling stations and said that though the incidences are not enough to taint the credibility of the election, it is a cause for concern as Nigerians yearn for the best in the conduct of elections that should be a model for the rest of the world.
