Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent governor of Ondo State and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been re-elected to lead the Sunshine State for another four years.
The Returning Officer, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, declared Aiyedatiwa the winner of the election on Sunday. He announced that the APC candidate polled 366,781 votes, decisively defeating his closest rival, Ajayi Agboola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 117,845 votes.
“That Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of the APC, having satisfied the requirement of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected,” the Returning Officer stated at the INEC collation center in Akure.
The APC secured a clean sweep, winning all 18 local government areas of the state. Aiyedatiwa’s margin of victory highlights the strong support he enjoys across Ondo State.
Aiyedatiwa ascended to governorship in December 2023 following the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, having served as his deputy. Since taking office, he has focused on economic reforms and improving workers’ welfare, including implementing a N73,000 minimum wage, surpassing the federal standard of N70,000.
During his campaign, Aiyedatiwa emphasized continuity and his administration’s achievements over the past ten months, which resonated with voters statewide.
The election was marred by accusations of electoral misconduct. PDP candidate Ajayi Agboola alleged that the process was compromised, citing reports of vote-buying and malfunctioning BVAS machines. Observers also noted widespread vote trading, which they described as “open and unchecked,” despite the presence of security personnel.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s victory signals an extension of his policies and leadership in Ondo State. He faces the challenge of addressing lingering concerns over the transparency of the electoral process while fulfilling his campaign promises to improve the state’s economy and citizens’ welfare.
Ondo residents now await the next steps of his administration as it continues to shape the future of the Sunshine State.
