Ondo guber: How Aiyedatiwa floored Ajayi
AKURE — The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was, yesterday, declared the winner of Saturday’s governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Mr Aiyedatiwa polled 366,781 votes to defeat his main rival, Mr Agboola Ajayi of thePeoples Democratic Party, PDP, who got 113,845 votes. Aiyedatiwa got the upper hand in all the 18 local councils.
While the total valid votes cast was 497,077, rejected votes were 11,886 out of 508, 963 votes cast. The registered number of voters was over 2 million, of which 1,793,914 voters collected their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs.
The other 15 parties performed poorly with all of them getting less than 14,000 votes
Aiyedatiwa dedicates victory to Akeredolu
An elated governor and governor-elect dedicated his victory to his late boss, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, and extended a hand of fellowship to opposition candidates to join him in the task of prioritising the welfare of Ondo people and ensuring the state remained a beacon of hope and prosperity.
Aiyedatiwa, in his acceptance speech, after he was declared winner of the election, promised “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 prioritize the welfare of our people, foster economic growth, and ensure that our state remains a beacon of hope and prosperity for generations to come.”
Let’s work together, Aiyedatiwa tells opponents
“Now that the elections are over, it is time to re-dedicate ourselves to the service of our dear state. I, therefore, want to extend a hand of fellowship to the opposition parties and to invite you to collaborate with us in the onerous task of building a better Ondo State for the overall good of our people.
“Let us put aside our differences and work together to create a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our communities.”
Dedicates victory to God, Akeredolu
Besides, he said: “I dedicate this victory, first to the Almighty God and second, to the memories of our departed leader and former governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.”
Ondo election: Perfect case of willing seller meeting willing buyer, says SDP’s Adebayo
The governor-elect said he felt greatly humbled and honoured by this renewed mandate given him to continue in office as governor.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and I pledge to work tirelessly to justify the trust you have reposed in me,’’ he said.
The governor-elect commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for conducting a free, fair, and credible election; and the security agencies for being very professional in their assignment and maintaining peace throughout the exercise.
“I must appreciate President Bola Tinubu for providing exemplary leadership and also ensuring a level playing ground in the just concluded election,” he added.
Election was daylight robbery, characterised by vote trading — PDP, ADC candidates
However, the candidates of the PDP, Mr Agboola Ajayi, and that of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Mr Myson Nejo, have kicked against the election outcome, describing the exercise as daylight robbery.
N35bn deployed for vote-buying
Speaking on behalf of the PDP candidate, the party’s state collation agent, Olaniyi Ogungbuji, accused the APC of deploying over N35 billion to induce voters in the poll, alleging that voting didn’t take place at some polling units at Idanre LGA.
“I can tell you that APC, as a party, deployed over N35billion into inducing the electorate. And if this is the future of this nation, I think we are doomed,” he said, disclosing that Ajayi and the PDP would decide on the next line of action in the coming days.
“I will report back to him (Ajayi) and the party as well, they will take the next appropriate action in the next few days,” he said.
Also, Mr Myson Nejo of the ADC faulted the conduct of the election, saying it was characterised by vote-trading.
He said: “I thank the good people of Ondo State for voting for me without giving them any money, and they still voted for me. I want to believe that my vote is a valid vote because there was nothing like vote-buying or any unethical practices on my side. So far, I want to believe I’m a winner in this election.
“People were buying votes for N20,000 or N15,000, and in my polling unit, it was N10,000 to N15,000. But because I didn’t have money and I told them I wasn’t going to give even a kobo to buy votes, I ended up with only two votes in my unit and about 40 votes in total.
“But I don’t care. People were calling me, asking for money in exchange for their votes, but I stood my ground. If they want to vote, they should vote. I wasn’t going to give a kobo to buy votes.”
Ondo APC dismisses vote-buying allegations
However, APC’s state agent, Ade Adeogun, dismissed the allegation of vote-buying, describing it as flippant excuses.
Adeogun said: “You need to understand that throughout this electioneering period, we even complained that Ondo State was over-policed. If they had any genuine evidence, they would have reported to the security agencies and those persons involved in vote-buying or any inducement would have been arrested.
“Without evidence, you can’t just go around and make flippant excuses. They lost an election. They lost woefully and they’re looking for a straw to hold on to.”
He said the opposition party should be allowed to ‘weep’ over the defeat, saying the party had a right to do so.
“It’s an allegation and when you go to court, he who alleges must prove. For you to prove, you must present cogent and verifiable reasons. If you have 10 political parties contesting and only one is complaining, you would understand that it’s a pain of loss that they’re still experiencing and we must give them that right to weep.”
It’s worst election ever, says Natl PDP
The national hierarchy of the PDP said the Ondo poll was the worst conducted by the INEC so far.
National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement, said: “All lovers of democracy in Nigeria and across the world have just witnessed the worst election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“The November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State runs short of all expectations and requirements of a free, fair and credible election as it witnessed the height of electoral swindle, deceit and manipulation by the All Progressives Congress.
“This election witnessed widespread election merchandising, monetization and bare-faced vote buying by the APC and its apparatus in government to suppress the genuine aspiration of the people.
“This devious practice by the APC was rampant and pervasive because the APC has utterly impoverished Nigerians and turned poverty into a weapon of mass subjugation which enabled it to manipulate the election and its outcome.
“We call the attention of all Nigerians and the international community to this reprehensible practice by the APC as widely witnessed in the November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State and we demand that a serious action be taken to stem such if Nigeria’s democracy must survive.
“In the meantime, the National Working Committee, NWC, of the PDP will be having a more detailed review of the election and its outcome and take appropriate action in defence of our democracy.”
Our victories in Edo, Ondo, not a fluke – Natl APC
However, the National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, said the election was free and fair, adding that the party’s victory in Ondo and the recent poll in Edo was not a fluke.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Edwin Olofu, the party chairman said Ayedatiwa’s remarkable success was a testament to the trust and confidence the people of Ondo State had in his vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to their well-being.
“Ganduje noted that the recent victory of the party in Edo and Ondo States is not a fluke but an attestation that Nigerians have embraced the APC as their party, assuring that the party will remain in power for a very long time,” said Olofu.
According to the statement, the election was a clear reflection of the collective aspirations of the good people of Ondo State, who have chosen continuity, progress, and development over retrogression.
Dr Ganduje commended INEC for conducting a transparent, credible, and peaceful election, and the security agencies and stakeholders for ensuring a conducive environment for voters to exercise their franchise freely.
“As Governor Ayedatiwa prepares to embark on another term of service, the APC national chairman urges him to remain focused on delivering people-oriented policies and programmes that will uplift the living standards of the people of Ondo State.”
Tinubu, Buhari, Sanwo-Olu, Oyebanji, Jibrin, others fete Aiyedatiwa
Meanwhile, showers of felicitations poured for Aiyedatiwa on his electoral triumph, yesterday. President Bola Tinubu, former President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, were among those who congratulated the governor-elect and hailed the peaceful conduct of the process.
The President congratulated Aiyedatiwa and other candidates of 16 political parties for the maturity and sense of purpose demonstrated during the campaigns and the election, attributing the success of the polls to the civility in the state.
He enjoined the political actors to allow their orderly conduct to permeate the post-election activities and processes.
President Tinubu said he believed the Ondo State election was another litmus test of the capacity of INEC, affirming that the electoral body justified the confidence of the people with early preparations, deployment of staff and materials, and handling of the electoral process.
The President in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also commended INEC for the efficiency of uploading more than 98 per cent of results on the day of the election.
He extended his appreciation to the security agencies for their professionalism in maintaining peace and order.
The President urged candidates dissatisfied with the outcome of the election to explore the opportunities provided by the judicial system to seek redress on areas of conflict.
Aiyedatiwa’s victory indicates people’s confidence in APC — Buhari
In like manner, former President Buhari in a statement issued by Mallam Garba Shehu, said: “The voters had spoken lucidly and loudly about the confidence they have in the party and the governor and their wish expressed through the ballot box should be respected by other stakeholders.”
The former president said while the election outcome had shown that democracy remained strong and could not be easily overturned in a country as large and diverse as Nigeria, it was equally a challenge to the governor-elect to put in place policies that engendered economic growth, tame high unemployment and inflation and pursue welfare programmes to make life better for the people.
APC won’t break its winning streak in S/West – Sanwo-Olu
On his part, Chairman of APC National Campaign Council for Ondo State Governorship Election, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the people of Ondo State for defying Saturday’s scorching sun to elect Governor Aiyedatiwa.
Sanwo-Olu assured that the APC would not break its winning streak in the South-West.
The governor, in a statement, commended Ondo people for rejecting retrogression and voting for progress; and their continued support for the APC.
He said: “This belief and support for our party have been demonstrated a number of times, including the past governorship elections, local government elections and the Presidential election that ushered in the Renewed Hope team of our leader, President Bola Tinubu.
“As progressives, you have stood by us through difficult times, and now, the good times are here because you came out in numbers yesterday, defying the hot scorching sun, and waited on the queues for hours to cast your ballot for our candidate, your Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami.
“As always, you roundly rejected those other political parties that represent nothing but retrogression, and you voted for progress. For this, we say thank you.
“It should be noted, however, that the winning streak of the APC in past months at various elections is a manifestation of the great strides that our leader President Bola Tinubu, is making in his Renewed Hope Agenda of reshaping our economy and putting the country’s socio-political system in the right direction.
Our people can see this, and the massive support will further boost the party’s energy to continue her economic recovery efforts.
“As the South West Zonal coordinator, I want to assure you that the All Progressives Congress will not break the party’s winning streak in the South West of Nigeria. After all, our zone is the home of the progressive elements in Nigeria’s political landscape. We will win more states to our fold in due course.”
Aiyedatiwa’s victory, confidence vote in Tinubu’s leadership —Oyebanji
On his part, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State described Aiyedatiwa’s victory as confidence vote in President Tinubu’s administration.
Oyebanji in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said it was also an endorsement of good governance under the APC administration in Ondo State.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate my dear brother, Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa on this well deserved victory. While wishing him a successful tenure, we look forward to a more strategic partnership with his administration for the benefit of the citizens of the two sister states.”
It’s a further endorsement of APC, Tinubu — Jibrin
Speaking in like manner, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, APC, Kano North, said the APC’s victory in Ondo was a further endorsement of the ruling party.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, the lawmaker, who commended Aiyedatiwa on his victory, said: “The victory of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, in Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State is well-deserved. I congratulate the governor-elect, H.E. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and all our supporters on this victory. It is not just a victory for the APC but for our democracy and the people of Ondo State.
“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.”
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo lauded for delivering record votes in Ondo governorship election
Also yesterday, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, was commended for his significant role in the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the election.
His influence was evident as Akoko North West Local Government, his home constituency, delivered the highest votes for the All Progressives Congress, APC, with an unprecedented 25,010 votes, representing 81.2% of the total votes cast in the local government.
This achievement was a major factor in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s success at the polls, cementing the APC’s stronghold in the state.
Recall that Tunji-Ojo also delivered record-breaking votes during the 2023 presidential election, ensuring that Akoko North West contributed significantly to the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
His consistent ability to mobilize grassroots support and secure massive votes has been attributed to his strong connection with his constituents and unwavering commitment to the APC’s progressive agenda.
Members of the BTO Political Family praised the minister’s dedication to the party, noting his strategic leadership and influence at both state and national levels.
They highlighted how his contributions have strengthened the APC’s presence and laid a foundation for continued success in Ondo State politics.
The group also extended its congratulations to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, describing his victory as a reflection of the people’s confidence in his leadership and vision for the state.
Yiaga Africa condemns vote-buying
Meanwhile, an election monitoring group, Yiaga Africa, yesterday, condemned incidences of vote-buying, which it said characterised the election.
Addressing newsmen in Akure, the group described vote-trading as a major threat to the credibility of the electoral process.
Yiaga Africa’s Chairman, and Director of Programmes, Ezenwa Nwagwu and Cynthia Mbamalu, lamented that vote buying promotes electoral corruption, “erodes equality in election competition and undermines the legitimacy of electoral victory.”
Yiaga Africa urged political parties “to refrain from the culture of commercialization of election in Nigeria and invest rather in practices that enhance trust in the election.”
It also charged INEC to take “deliberate steps to protect the secrecy of the ballot and enforce its electoral guidelines especially as it relates to the secrecy of the ballot.”
Yiaga Africa, said that election offenders arrested during the Ondo election “should be handed over to the police for due prosecution.”
It urged “security agencies should be more proactive in arresting and prosecuting perpetrators of voter inducement and vote buying.”
Police DIG lauds successful election
The Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Ondo election, Abiodun Alabi, lauded the successful conclusion of the poll.
Alabi told newsmen: “I am proud to report that the electoral activities, from the initial stages of preparations to the final announcement of results, were secured with the highest level of integrity and professionalism by the police and other security agencies.
“The meticulous efforts of our officers, in collaboration with other election security agencies and stakeholders, ensured that the process was peaceful, free, and credible.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all those who played crucial roles, at one stage or the other, in this electoral process. The dedication and professionalism exhibited by election officials and poll.”
