Aiyedatiwa Emerges Victorious in Ondo Governorship Election

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has emerged victorious in the 2024 Ondo State governorship election, securing a landslide win that underscores his popularity across the state. Aiyedatiwa, the former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, triumphed with significant margins against his closest rivals, cementing APC’s hold on the state’s political landscape.

Announcing the results on Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that Aiyedatiwa garnered 62% of the total votes cast, leaving the opposition candidates from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party trailing far behind. The smooth conduct of the election was lauded, with voter turnout showing a marked improvement compared to previous polls.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the chorus of congratulations, celebrating Aiyedatiwa’s resounding victory. Tinubu described the win as a testament to APC’s dedication to good governance and promised federal support to complement the incoming administration’s efforts. The President, however, urged opposition parties to seek legal redress if dissatisfied rather than inciting unrest. “Democracy thrives on the rule of law, and courts are the appropriate avenue to address grievances,” he stated.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State also extended his felicitations to Aiyedatiwa and the APC, describing the election result as “a reflection of the people’s confidence in APC’s developmental agenda.” Yahaya expressed optimism that Aiyedatiwa would lead Ondo to greater heights, given his track record and experience.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have expressed concerns about the transparency of the electoral process. The PDP and Labour Party have hinted at possible legal action to challenge the outcome. Despite these rumblings, the APC camp remains upbeat, with party stakeholders attributing the victory to effective grassroots mobilization and Aiyedatiwa’s enduring appeal.

Aiyedatiwa, in his acceptance speech, pledged to unite all Ondo citizens and prioritize inclusive development. “This victory is not just for me or APC; it is for every Ondo citizen. Together, we will move our state forward,” he declared, promising improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

With the election concluded, Ondo State now looks forward to a new chapter under Aiyedatiwa’s leadership. The victory reaffirms APC’s dominance in the Southwest while setting the stage for another test of Nigeria’s legal system if opposition parties proceed with their challenges.