Director of Media and Publicity of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, Steve Otaloro ,speaks with JUBRIL BADA on the recent governorship election in the state.

Excerpts:

How would you assess the recent 2024 governorship election in Ondo State?

The 2024 governorship election in Ondo State was a landmark event that showcased the maturity and resilience of our democracy. Our party, the APC, emerged victorious, with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa winning with an overwhelming majority. This victory is a testament to the trust and confidence the people of Ondo State have in our party and its leadership.

The election was also notable for its peaceful and orderly conduct. Despite some minor logistical challenges, the electoral process was largely smooth, with voters turning out to exercise their franchise. This is a credit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies, and the people of Ondo State.

Overall, the 2024 governorship election in Ondo State was a success story that reinforces our faith in democracy and the electoral process.

What strategies do you think electoral stakeholders should employ to address voter apathy witnessed in the recent governorship election in Ondo State in future elections?

Voter apathy is a challenge that requires a multifaceted approach. To address this issue, electoral stakeholders should employ a range of strategies that promote inclusivity, transparency, and accountability.

Firstly, voter education is critical. Electoral stakeholders should implement comprehensive voter education programmes that inform citizens about the importance of voting and the electoral process. This can be achieved through various channels, including social media, traditional media, and community outreach programmes.

Secondly, increasing accessibility is essential. Electoral stakeholders should ensure that voting centers are easily accessible, particularly for marginalized communities and individuals with disabilities. This can be achieved by providing accessible voting facilities, transportation, and other support services.

Thirdly, promoting transparency and accountability is vital. Electoral stakeholders should ensure that the electoral process is transparent, free, and fair, with clear accountability mechanisms in place. This can be achieved by implementing robust electoral reforms, strengthening institutions, and promoting citizen participation.

Finally, electoral stakeholders should leverage technology to promote voter participation. This can be achieved by implementing electronic voting systems, online voter registration platforms, and other digital tools that facilitate voter engagement.

By employing these strategies, electoral stakeholders can address voter apathy and promote a more inclusive and participatory electoral process.

How would you evaluate the performance of the electoral body INEC in the last election?

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) played a crucial role in the success of the 2024 governorship election in Ondo State. Overall, I would evaluate INEC’s performance as commendable.

INEC’s ability to conduct a peaceful and credible election is a testament to its growing capacity and commitment to democratic principles. The commission’s efforts to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, including the use of technology and other innovative solutions, were notable.

However, there were some minor logistical challenges that INEC faced during the election. These challenges, including delays in some areas in the distribution of electoral materials and technical issues with some voting machines, were largely addressed by INEC’s prompt response and contingency planning.

Overall, INEC’s performance in the 2024 governorship election in Ondo State demonstrates its commitment to free, fair, and credible elections. As a party, we commend INEC for its efforts and look forward to continued improvements in the electoral process.

What do you think were the deciding factors for the election results, and how did your party address key concerns raised by voters?

The deciding factors for the election results were multifaceted. However, some of the key factors that contributed to our party’s victory include:

– Strong Leadership: Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s leadership and vision for Ondo State resonated with the electorate.

– Grassroots Engagement: Our party’s commitment to grassroots engagement and community development helped to build trust and support among voters.

– Effective Campaigning: Our campaign strategy, which focused on issues-based campaigning and voter outreach, helped to mobilize support for our candidate.

To address key concerns raised by voters, our party engaged in extensive outreach and consultation programmes. We listened to the concerns of citizens and developed policies and programmes that addressed their needs and aspirations. Some of the key concerns that we addressed include:

– Economic Development: We developed policies and programmes aimed at promoting economic development and job creation in Ondo State.

– Infrastructure Development: We are committed to investing in critical infrastructure, including roads, healthcare facilities, and education infrastructure.

– Security: We developed strategies aimed at enhancing security and reducing crime in Ondo State.

By addressing these concerns and demonstrating our commitment to the welfare of the people, we were able to build trust and support among voters.

How do you (APC) plan to engage with opposition parties and foster unity for the development of Ondo State post-election?

As a party, we recognize the importance of unity and cooperation in promoting the development of Ondo State. To foster unity and engage with opposition parties, we plan to foster a spirit of cooperation and collaboration. We can work together to address the common challenges facing our state and promote the development of Ondo State.

Our party is committed to engaging with opposition parties and fostering unity for the development of Ondo State. We believe that by working together, we can achieve far more than we could alone, and promote a brighter future for the people of Ondo State.

What lessons did your party APC learn from the election process, and how will these shape future political campaigns in Ondo State?

We learned the importance of building strong relationships with stakeholders, including community leaders, traditional rulers, and other opinion leaders. By engaging with these stakeholders and addressing their concerns, we were able to build trust and support among voters.

The 2024 governorship election in Ondo State was a valuable learning experience for our party. The lessons we learned will shape our future political campaigns, as we continue to strive for excellence and responsiveness to the needs of our citizens. We will remain committed to our core values of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, as we work towards building a better future for the people of Ondo State.