Ondo State Governorship Election 2024: Aiyedatiwa Casts Vote, Campaigns Heat Up
The governorship election in Ondo State has officially begun, with the state’s incumbent governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, casting his vote early on Saturday. Aiyedatiwa voted at Polling Unit 6, Ward 4, located in Obenla, Ilaje Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo State, marking a significant moment as the Sunshine State embarks on its crucial electoral journey.
Aiyedatiwa, who took over as governor after the unfortunate death of his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu, in December 2023, is seeking to retain the governorship seat in what is considered a highly competitive election. He is facing 16 other candidates from various political parties, including former governor Agboola Ajayi, who is contesting under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Reflecting on his candidacy, Aiyedatiwa expressed confidence in his ability to continue the work started by Akeredolu, focusing on the growth and development of Ondo State. His campaign platform highlights key priorities, including security, infrastructure development, economic growth, agriculture, education, and empowerment for women and youth.
Meanwhile, INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) officials have been busy with preparations, ensuring that everything is in place for the election. At Ward 4 in Obenla, Ilaje LGA, INEC staff have set up polling stations, and voters have begun checking the electoral roll to confirm their names and polling units. Voter turnout appears to be promising as the people of Ondo State prepare to make their voices heard.
As of 7:18 am, voting materials were already being set up at various polling units in Ondo West LGA, specifically at All Saints Grammar School in Oka, where INEC officials were seen making final adjustments ahead of the start of voting.
INEC Starts Distribution of Voting Materials in Irele LGA
In preparation for the day’s election, INEC has also begun the distribution of sensitive materials to polling units in Irele Local Government Area. This is part of the Commission’s final push to ensure that all logistics are in place before the polling stations open.
According to INEC officials, the materials were being moved to various voting centers across Irele LGA. This distribution is seen as a key step in ensuring a smooth voting process throughout Ondo State. The electorate, which has been eager to elect a new leader, will head to the polls to decide who will steer the state’s affairs for the next four years.
Election Overview: 18 Candidates in the Race for Ondo Governorship
A total of 18 candidates will be contesting for the governorship seat in the 2024 Ondo State election. The election comes 11 months after the passing of former Governor Akeredolu. The candidates represent a wide array of political parties, offering a diverse range of policies and visions for the future of the state.
The candidates vying for the seat include:
- Falaiye Abraham Ajibola (A)
- Akinuli Fred Omolere (AA)
- Ajayi Adekunle Oluwaseyi (AAC)
- Nejo Adeyemi (ADC)
- Akinnodi Ayodeji Emmanuel (ADP)
- Lucky Aiyedatiwa (APC)
- Popoola Olatunji Tunde (APGA)
- Ogunfeyimi Isaac Kolawole (APM)
- Fadoju Amos Babatunde (APP)
- Ebiseni Olusola Nehemiah (LP)
- Olugbemiga Omogbemi Edema (NNPP)
- Ajaunoko Funmilayo Jenyo (NRM)
- Ajayi Alfred Agboola (PDP)
- Alli Babatunde Francis (PRP)
- Akingboye Benson Bamidele (SDP)
- Adegoke Kehinde Paul (YP)
- Akinmurele John Otitoloju (YPP)
- Mimiko Olubansile Abbas (ZLP)
Top Candidates in the 2024 Ondo Governorship Race
As the election unfolds, there are four top candidates drawing considerable attention from the electorate:
- Lucky Aiyedatiwa (APC): As the current governor, Aiyedatiwa took office in December 2023 following the death of his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu. With a background as the former deputy governor, Aiyedatiwa is focused on continuing Akeredolu’s vision for the state. His platform prioritizes security, economic stability, agricultural development, youth empowerment, and improving infrastructure.
- Agboola Ajayi (PDP): A former deputy governor under Akeredolu during his first term, Ajayi parted ways with Akeredolu in a highly publicized fallout. After an unsuccessful bid with the Zenith Labour Party in a previous election, he defected to the PDP and is now campaigning on a platform of comprehensive reforms across sectors such as health, education, security, and agriculture.
- Olorunfemi Festus (Labour Party): In a dramatic twist just days before the election, the Court of Appeal ruled that Olorunfemi Festus would replace Olusola Ebiseni as the Labour Party’s candidate, just 24 hours before the vote. This change has sparked increased attention around Festus’s candidacy as he seeks to provide an alternative option to the traditional political parties.
- Abbas Mimiko (ZLP): The younger brother of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Abbas Mimiko is making his own mark as a candidate. As a medical psychiatrist, he is focusing on a seven-point agenda, including food security, education, healthcare, mass housing, and peace and security.
Ongoing Coverage and Updates
As the election day progresses, Gists9ja will continue to provide real-time updates and situation reports on the election, offering insights into voter turnout, polling station developments, and early results. Ondo State residents are poised to make their choice for the next governor, with high expectations for a peaceful and transparent electoral process.
