…dedicates victory to late former Gov Akeredolu, extends hands of fellowship to opponents

APC’s next move is to reclaim Osun, Oyo from PDP – Ganduje

By Jubril Bada & Adedotun Ajayi

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has broken a record in the state’s political history, as he won in all the 18 local government areas in Saturday’s governorship election, trouncing his closest rival, Mr. Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), among other contestants.

Such scenario was witnessed last in 2014 in Ekiti State governorship election, when then former Governor Ayodele Fayose defeated the incumbent, governor Kayode Fayemi, beating him in all the 16 local government areas of the state.

Affirming Aiyedatiwa’s sweeping victory, the Returning Officer for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, declared him winner of the election.

He said the incumbent governor secured the required votes of 366,781 to defeat his closest rival, Ajayi of PDP who polled 117,845 votes.

According to the results from the 18 local government areas of the state, announced by the INEC on Sunday, Aiyedatiwa recorded a landslide victory throughout the state.

Adeyemi Nejo, candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) finished a distant third, receiving a total of 4,138 votes.

Other political parties with votes scored were Accord Party – 186; AA- 58; AAC-304; ADP-1522; APGA-623; APM- 162; APP-83; LP-1162; NNPP-206; NRM- 298; PRP-229; SDP- 438; YP-134; YPP-216 and ZLP-2692.

The total votes cast are 508,963 out of which 11,886 were rejected, leaving 497,077 as the total valid votes.

Declaring the candidate of APC, Aiyedatiwa winner of the gubernatorial election, the Returning Officer, Prof. Akinwumi, said, “Lucky Aiyedatiwa of APC, having been certified by the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected,” he said.

Addressing journalists at the Government House in Akure shortly after the announcement, an elated Aiyedatiwa described his victory as a triumph for democracy, unity and progress.

“This is not just my victory; it is a victory for all the people of Ondo State.

“I am deeply honoured by the overwhelming support and trust you have placed in me to continue leading our great state.

“This mandate reinforces my resolve to work tirelessly for the betterment of every citizen.

“I stand before you this day, on the threshold of history, to accept the results of the 2024 gubernatorial elections held in our Sunshine State.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and pledge to work tirelessly to justify the trust you have reposed in me.”

The governor commended the INEC for conducting a credible election and acknowledged the professionalism of security agencies for maintaining peace throughout the process.

“Let me commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a free, fair, and credible election.

“The security agencies across the board are also deserving of our gratitude for being very professional in their assignment and maintaining peace throughout the exercise,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and support, as well as the APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulahi Umar Ganduje, and the National Campaign Council led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

“I must appreciate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing exemplary leadership and also ensuring a level playing ground in the just concluded election.

“To the State Chairman and Working Committee of our Party, Campaign team, my family, and friends, we couldn’t have achieved this huge success without your love, commitment, encouragement, and hard work,” he added.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also acknowledged the role of the mediz in effectively covering the election process and reiterated his commitment to an inclusive and participatory government.

“As your governor, I promise to continue to run an inclusive and participatory government, where every citizen has a voice and an opportunity to contribute to our collective progress.

“We will continue to prioritise the welfare of our people, foster economic growth, and ensure that our state remains a beacon of hope and prosperity for generations to come,” he assured.

The governor extended a hand of fellowship to opposition parties, urging them to collaborate in building a better Ondo State.

“Now that the elections are over, it is time to rededicate ourselves to the service of our dear State.

“I therefore want to extend a hand of fellowship to other candidates to collaborate with us in the onerous task of building a better Ondo State for the overall good of our people. Let us put aside our political differences and work together to create a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our communities,” he said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa dedicated his victory to God and to the memory of former governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.

“Finally, I dedicate this victory, first to the Almighty God and second, to the memories of our departed leader and former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.”

Speaking on the party’s future plans, APC National Chairman, Dr Umar Ganduje, expressed confidence in the party’s ability to expand its dominance in the South-West region.

He stated that the APC’s next focus is to reclaim Osun and Oyo States, which are currently under the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ganduje emphasised that the party is determined to consolidate its influence by mobilising resources, building alliances, and working strategically to win over these critical states in the next electoral cycle.

According to him, “Our victory in Ondo State is a testament to the trust Nigerians have in the APC, and we are committed to ensuring that this trust is extended to Osun and Oyo states. We will leave no stone unturned in our quest to return these states to the progressive fold.”

In attendance were Dr Umar Ganduje, National Chairman of APC; Ali Dalori, Deputy Chairman, APC North; Babajide Sanwo Olu, Lagos State governor; Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, Kwara State governor; Dapo Abiodun, Ogun State governor; Abiodun Oyebanji, Ekiti State governor and Babagana Umara Zulum, Borno State governor.

Others are Rev Hyacinth Alia, Benue State governor; Sen Monday Okpebholo, Edo State governor; Bassey Otu, Cross River State governor; Hope Uzodinma, Imo State governor; Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olayide Adalami; members of the National working committee; Senator Olalekan Mustapha; Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; Abiodun Makinde, member representing Ondo East/Ondo West Federal constituency and Director General, Aiyedatiwa/ Adelami 2024 Campaign Council; members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, and the state executive council members.