In a resounding victory, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State clinched the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the forthcoming gubernatorial bye-election scheduled for November 16th, 2024. Aiyedatiwa, securing the party’s nomination, garnered an impressive 48,569 votes, solidifying his position as the APC’s flagbearer. His closest contenders, Mr. Mayowa Akinfolarin and Mr. Olusola Oke, secured 15,343 and 14,865 votes, respectively, trailing behind.
Chairman of the Governorship Primary Election Committee and Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, officially declared Aiyedatiwa as the winner in the early hours of Monday, affirming the smooth conduct of the electoral process with minimal disruptions.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for fostering an environment conducive to peaceful elections in the state. He also acknowledged the efforts of the national and state working committees of the APC in ensuring a fair and transparent primary process, lauding their commitment to selecting the best candidate.
In a gesture of sportsmanship, Aiyedatiwa extended an olive branch to his fellow contestants, urging unity within the party ranks to secure victory in the November election. Emphasizing the importance of collective effort, he urged all stakeholders to set aside differences and work towards maintaining the party’s dominance.
Despite securing victories in 16 out of 18 local government areas (LGAs), Aiyedatiwa ceded Ilaje LGA to Mr. Oke. However, the election in Ifedore LGA was marred by incidents of violence, leading to result cancellations.
Demanding a transparent electoral process, Mrs. Folakemi Omogoroye, the sole female aspirant, called for the annulment of the poll citing irregularities and voter disenfranchisement. Joined by candidates Olugbenga Edema, Olushola Oke, and Adewale Akinterinwa, they condemned the conduct of the exercise and echoed the call for a fresh and fair election. Omogoroye emphasized her readiness to pursue legal recourse should her demand for a transparent rerun be disregarded.