Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been confirmed as the winner of the 2024 Ondo State Governorship election. His victory follows a clear win in several Local Government Areas (LGAs), with the All Progressives Congress (APC) securing substantial margins in regions like Owo, Akure South, and Okitipupa. Despite facing accusations of election malpractice from his rival, Agboola Ajayi of the PDP, Aiyedatiwa’s win stands firm as the final results showed overwhelming support across the state.
Aiyedatiwa’s victory is significant, especially as it follows his swearing-in as the Acting Governor in 2023 after the death of his predecessor, Governor Akeredolu. The constitutional transfer of power meant that Aiyedatiwa was expected to finish the current tenure, which ends in February 2025. His election now ensures he will continue in office for an additional four years, extending his leadership into the next political cycle.
The election saw the APC outperforming the PDP in many regions, including Agboola Ajayi’s local government area of Ese-Odo. Despite some concerns raised by Ajayi regarding the conduct of the election, including issues with the BVAS system and claims of voter suppression, Aiyedatiwa’s victory has been recognized as legitimate by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The results from the Ondo 2024 election demonstrated strong support for the APC in key areas such as Owo LGA, where they received 31,914 votes, and Akure South, with 32,969 votes. The APC also gained substantial victories in Irele, Ilaje, and Okitipupa LGAs. These victories, coupled with a commanding presence in the capital city of Akure, helped solidify Aiyedatiwa’s mandate.
While Aiyedatiwa’s win is celebrated by APC supporters, Ajayi’s criticism of the election process reflects ongoing concerns about transparency and fairness in Nigerian elections. These issues underscore the need for electoral reforms as part of Nigeria’s ongoing democratic evolution. Nonetheless, Aiyedatiwa’s win will be seen as a validation of the APC’s strength in Ondo State moving forward.
As Aiyedatiwa prepares to begin his full-term governorship, all eyes will be on his ability to unite the state, address challenges such as security, economic development, and governance, and fulfill his electoral promises to the people of Ondo. His tenure will have a significant impact on the state’s political landscape, especially as the next presidential election looms.
