Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the newly elected governor of Ondo State, has vowed to serve the people and unite all factions in the state after winning Saturday’s governorship election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially declared Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the keenly contested race.
In his victory speech, Aiyedatiwa expressed his gratitude to the people of Ondo for the trust they placed in him, securing 366,781 votes across the 18 local government areas of the state.
Aiyedatiwa triumphed over his main rival, Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 117,845 votes.
Also in the race were Olorunfemi Festus of the Labour Party (LP) and Abbas Mimiko of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), though Aiyedatiwa’s victory was decisive.
Speaking to journalists in Akure, the state capital, Aiyedatiwa said, “I thank Ondo for the renewed mandate given to me to be their governor beyond 2025. I promise to serve them.”
His victory comes after a tense election marked by concerns over vote-buying and relatively low voter turnout.
Despite these challenges, the election process was described as peaceful, and Aiyedatiwa praised INEC for ensuring fairness and transparency.
“The election has come and gone, and now is the time to focus on governance,” Aiyedatiwa continued. “I will continue to run an inclusive and participatory government, where every citizen has a voice and an opportunity to contribute to our collective progress.”
The incumbent governor also dedicated his victory to the memory of his late predecessor, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who passed away in December 2023.
In an inspiring move, Aiyedatiwa extended an olive branch to opposition parties, calling for unity and collaboration in building a better Ondo State.
“Let us put aside our differences and work together to create a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our communities,” he said.
His appeal for peace and teamwork came as a call to all political parties to work together for the common good of the state.
This inclusive approach marks a shift from the often divisive nature of political contests. Aiyedatiwa’s message of unity struck a hopeful tone among his supporters and the wider electorate.
“We must set aside partisan politics for the greater good,” Aiyedatiwa continued. “My administration will focus on the development of our state, fostering economic growth, and ensuring the welfare of all Ondo people.”
This message was well received by members of his party, the APC, as well as his supporters.
The APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, celebrated Aiyedatiwa’s victory and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to expanding its influence in the southwest, with plans to extend its success to neighboring states like Oyo and Osun.
“We are happy that the people of Ondo have shown their love for the APC,” Ganduje said at the celebration event.
The event was also attended by a host of APC governors from across Nigeria, including Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq of Kwara, and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State. These leaders, alongside others, expressed their support for Aiyedatiwa and his vision for Ondo.
Aiyedatiwa’s victory marks the beginning of a new era for Ondo State, with promises of continued development, economic growth, and political stability.
However, the governor-elect also acknowledged the need for accountability and transparency in his administration, reiterating his commitment to ensuring that Ondo State continues to progress under his leadership.
As Aiyedatiwa prepares to assume office beyond 2025, all eyes will be on his government to see if his promises of unity and inclusive governance translate into concrete actions that benefit all citizens of Ondo State.
