AKURE, Nigeria – Residents of Ondo State have decisively re-elected Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as their governor for the next four years.
The announcement was made on Sunday, November 17, 2024, by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Returning Officer, Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja.
Aiyedatiwa secured a commanding victory with 366,781 votes, far surpassing his closest challenger, Ajayi Agboola of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who received 117,845 votes.
The APC candidate won by a margin of over 200,000 votes and swept all 18 local government areas of Ondo State.
“That Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of the APC, having satisfied the requirement of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected,” Professor Akinwumi announced at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at the INEC collation centre in Akure, following an overnight collation of results.
A Historic Victory
Aiyedatiwa’s victory underscores the trust and confidence Ondo residents have placed in his leadership.
The incumbent governor, who first assumed office on December 27, 2023, following the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, has been recognised for steering the state through a transitional period marked by stability and progress.
Winning all local government areas is a rare feat and a testament to the broad-based support Aiyedatiwa enjoys across the state.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
As he embarks on another four-year term, Aiyedatiwa faces high expectations to deliver on campaign promises, which include enhancing healthcare, education, and job creation while sustaining Ondo’s position as a beacon of progress in southwestern Nigeria.
His re-election also consolidates the APC’s dominance in the region, strengthening its influence in both state and national politics.
Political analysts view his leadership as pivotal to furthering the party’s agenda in the Sunshine State.
Reactions to the Victory
Celebrations erupted across Ondo State as APC supporters and residents marked the victory with rallies and festivities.
In his acceptance speech, Aiyedatiwa thanked the people of Ondo for their overwhelming support and promised to build on the achievements of his first term.
“This victory is not just for me or the APC but for every Ondo State resident who believes in our vision for a brighter and more prosperous future,” he said.
Meanwhile, PDP candidate Ajayi Agboola has yet to comment on the outcome, and it remains unclear whether his party will contest the results.
A Mandate for Progress
With this decisive mandate, Aiyedatiwa now has the opportunity to further consolidate the gains of his administration and tackle the pressing challenges facing Ondo State.
His re-election signals a renewed commitment by the people to continuity and development, making Ondo a state to watch in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.