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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday officially announced Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the governorship election held on Saturday
With a commanding 366,781 votes, Mr. Aiyedatiwa emerged victorious over Mr. Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who trailed far behind with 113,845 votes. This landslide victory was reinforced by Aiyedatiwa’s sweeping performance, winning in each of the 18 local councils.
Out of 508,963 votes cast in the election, a total of 497,077 were deemed valid, with 11,886 rejected as invalid. Interestingly, although the voter registry included over 2 million names, only 1,793,914 citizens had collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), raising concerns about voter readiness.
The remaining 15 political parties performed significantly below expectations, with none managing to secure more than 14,000 votes. This underperformance underscores the dominant influence of the leading contenders in shaping voter preferences.
Brimming with joy, the newly elected governor dedicated his triumph to his late mentor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, acknowledging the pivotal role his predecessor played in shaping Ondo’s destiny. In a gesture of unity, he extended an olive branch to his opponents, inviting them to collaborate in championing the well-being of the state’s citizens and sustaining Ondo as a symbol of hope and progress.
In his acceptance speech, delivered shortly after being declared the winner of the election, Aiyedatiwa committed to leading a government that would be both inclusive and participatory, ensuring that every citizen—regardless of background or status—would have the platform to be heard and the opportunity to actively shape the state’s collective future.
Read also: Ondo I’ll Serve You – Gov Aiyedatiwa Reacts To Election Victory
“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.”
“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.”
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.”
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.
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.
