Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Governor of Ondo State and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been declared the winner of the 2024 Ondo State governorship election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that Aiyedatiwa triumphed across all 18 local government areas in the state, defeating his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other candidates.
The victory solidifies Aiyedatiwa’s hold on the state as he secures a second term in office with overwhelming support. His administration's policies and achievements were pivotal in earning the trust of voters across the state.
Agboola Ajayi, the PDP’s candidate, trailed significantly in the polls despite his vigorous campaign efforts. Political analysts attribute the loss to a combination of Aiyedatiwa's incumbency advantage and widespread support for APC’s developmental agenda in the state.
However, the election was marred by widespread reports of vote buying and incidents of violence in several areas. Observers noted that voters were induced with cash ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦30,000 in some polling units, while clashes disrupted the process in Akure South, Okitipupa, and other locations.
The opposition, led by Ajayi and the PDP, has rejected the results, alleging that the process was undermined by electoral malpractice. Ajayi described the election as "a travesty of democracy," accusing the ruling APC of using unethical means to secure victory.
Civil society organizations and election observers have urged INEC to investigate these allegations and hold accountable those responsible for undermining the electoral process.
While Aiyedatiwa’s victory has been officially declared, the controversy surrounding the election threatens to overshadow the mandate and spark potential legal battles. The ggovernor is poised to begin his second term, pledging to address the state’s challenges and build on his first-term achievemen
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