Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is on the path to victory in the Ondo State gubernatorial election.
With results from 15 of the 18 local government areas announced, Aiyedatiwa has garnered 301,113 votes, a commanding lead over his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who trails with 97,051 votes.
This gives the APC candidate a clear margin of over 204,000 votes.
Tension as Final Results Awaited
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to announce results from three local government areas: Ese-Odo, Ilaje, and Odigbo.
Collation resumed at 12:35 a.m. on Sunday at INEC’s headquarters in Akure, the state capital.
INEC’s Returning Officer, Professor Olayemi Akinwunmi, announced that the exercise would continue to ensure the accurate collation of results.
“We are committed to transparency and credibility,” Akinwunmi said.
APC Sweeps 15 LGAs
The APC candidate has so far emerged victorious in all 15 LGAs declared.
In Akure South, APC secured 32,969 votes, compared to PDP’s 17,926. In Owo, a stronghold of the ruling party, APC recorded a massive 31,914 votes, leaving PDP with only 4,740.
Okitipupa also delivered a solid win for Aiyedatiwa, with APC scoring 26,811 votes to PDP’s 10,233.
Observers describe the election as a significant victory for the APC, consolidating their hold on Ondo State.
Vote Buying and Thuggery Allegations
Despite the peaceful conduct in many polling units, allegations of vote buying and violence have marred the process.
In Idanre Local Government Area, suspected thugs reportedly fired gunshots in Ofosu village, creating panic among residents.
Deputy PDP governorship candidate Festus Akingbaso accused APC of intimidating voters.
“Thugs invaded several villages to disrupt the process. I have reported this to the police and DSS,” Akingbaso alleged.
APC’s spokesperson, Steve Otaloro, dismissed the accusations as baseless.
“Our party remains committed to a peaceful election. These are desperate attempts by the opposition to discredit our victory,” Otaloro said.
Security Tightened Across Ondo State
Over 30 military checkpoints were mounted across the state, ensuring safety during the exercise.
In Akure and Owo, combined forces of the Army, Police, and NSCDC patrolled streets to maintain order.
However, journalists reported delays at checkpoints, with security personnel demanding clearance before granting passage.
DSS Arrests Vote Trader with Bags of Cash
In a dramatic turn, the Department of State Services (DSS) apprehended a suspected vote trader in Akure.
The suspect was caught with two bags of money allegedly intended to bribe voters.
Witnesses revealed that cash inducements ranging from ₦15,000 to ₦30,000 per vote were rampant in several polling units.
A former lawmaker, Rasheed Olalekan, criticized the practice, saying, “This is not democracy. Vote buying undermines the will of the people.”
Mixed Reactions from Voters
While turnout in the northern senatorial districts was high, the southern districts recorded a lower voter presence.
Voters praised INEC for the early arrival of materials and the functionality of the BVAS system, which worked efficiently in most areas.
“I am impressed with the process so far. INEC is doing a good job,” said a voter in Akoko South.
Aiyedatiwa Confident of Victory
Speaking to journalists, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed satisfaction with the election process.
“I am grateful for the overwhelming support from the people of Ondo State. This victory is for all of us,” he said.
