The collation of results for the Ondo State governorship election has entered its final stages, with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) maintaining a near unassailable lead.
The APC has won 15 of the 18 state local government areas (LGAs), leaving the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Agboola Ajayi, trailing.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the results for 15 LGAs, with the APC taking a decisive lead. For instance, the APC secured 32,969 votes in Akure South LGA, while the PDP garnered 17,926. In Akoko South-West, the APC claimed 29,700 votes against PDP’s 5,517.
State Returning Officer Professor Olayemi Durotimi Akinwunmi announced that collation would resume at noon after a brief recess to await results from the remaining three LGAs: Ilaje, Odigbo, and Ese Odo.
“We will adjourn until noon to give time for the results to arrive,” Akinwunmi stated, emphasizing the need for accuracy and transparency in the process.
Controversy At Idanre
Some disputes erupted in Idanre LGA, where the PDP’s agent alleged irregularities, including vote buying and ballot box snatching, and claimed that voting did not occur in some areas.
“These discrepancies undermine the credibility of the results,” the agent argued, calling for the annulment of Idanre’s results. INEC has yet to comment on these allegations.
Nevertheless, the elections have been adjudged generally peaceful and orderly. Civil society organizations under the Democracy and Good Governance Watch Initiative commended the people of Ondo State.
“The electorate demonstrated a high level of maturity and commitment to democracy,” the coalition said in a joint statement signed by its conveners. They also praised INEC for its “commendable handling of the electoral process” and security agencies for maintaining order.
However, the coalition expressed concern about reports of vote-buying at some polling units. “Such practices must be addressed to strengthen the integrity of future elections,” the statement read.
Awaiting Final Results
With results from 15 LGAs pointing to an apparent victory for the APC, all eyes are now on the final declaration. In Nigeria, no other person or authority may declare the results or winner of an election.
However, Governor Aiyedatiwa has maintained optimism, describing the election as “a testament to the people’s trust.”, just falling short of claiming victory.
In contrast, PDP candidate Agboola Ajayi remains unhappy, urging his supporters to stay calm but hopeful.
After resuming from recess, a final collation is expected, and a winner will be declared.
A troubled nation like Nigeria is eager for this election to pass without skirmishes.
“God bless Ondo State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the Democracy and Good Governance Watch Initiative concluded in their statement.
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