In a decisive victory, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Ondo State gubernatorial election held on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent governor, secured a landslide win, polling a total of 366,781 votes, significantly ahead of his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 117,845 votes.
The election saw Aiyedatiwa competing against several candidates, including Ajayi Agboola of the PDP, Olorunfemi Festus of the Labour Party (LP), and Abbas Mimiko of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). The APC candidate’s victory was marked by his dominance across all 18 local government areas in the state. For instance, in Akure South Local Government Area, Aiyedatiwa secured 32,969 votes compared to Ajayi’s 17,928.
The announcement was made by INEC’s Returning Officer, Prof. Akinwumi Olayemi Durotimi, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja. “This victory is a testament to the trust and confidence the people of Ondo State have in our administration,” Aiyedatiwa said in his acceptance speech1. The APC camp was in high spirits as early results indicated a clear path to victory.
Political analysts have noted that Aiyedatiwa’s win reflects the electorate’s approval of his policies and governance. “Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration has been pivotal in driving infrastructural development and economic growth in Ondo State,” said political commentator, Dr. Olumide Adeyemi. The victory is expected to bolster the APC’s influence in the region and set the stage for future political dynamics.
