…as Aiyedatiwa undertakes ‘thank-you rally’ in Akure, the capital city

• Congratulatory messages pour in torrents

Jubril Bada & Adedotun Ajayi

A group of foreign observers, International Police Chaplain Sustainable Development and Law Enforcement Inc. (IPCSL), has affirmed that the results of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accurately reflected the records from the ballot boxes at polling units all over the state.

This is just as residents of Akure, the capital city of Ondo State, trooped out in large numbers on Monday to join the incumbent State Governor and Governor-elect, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa in celebrating his electoral victory in the November 16, 2024 governorship poll in the state.

Aiyedatiwa, candidate of the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) secured the required votes of 366,781 to defeat his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who polled 117,845 votes.

Applauding the election process in the state, spokesperson of the group of international observers, who also doubles as the Director of Administration and Organisation for the African Regional Command, Mr. Oscar David, presented the findings in Akure.

He described the election as peaceful, transparent, credible, and successful, with minimal incidents or complaints from party agents.

David, however, called on candidates and political actors to seek legal redress for any disputes, stressing the importance of maintaining peace and preventing any breakdown of law and order.

“The IPCSL mission commends the people of Ondo State for their conduct and cooperation with our team members across the local government areas, political parties, and stakeholders, which created an enabling environment for a successful election.

“This reflects patriotism and a commitment to democratic culture,” he stated.

He emphasised the need for continued efforts to preserve national peace and stability, urging all parties to support democracy and the rule of law amid Nigeria’s challenging socio-political context.

The group’s spokesperson also lauded INEC for its efforts, noting improvements in staff training and handling of election equipment, as well as the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which functioned well except for isolated issues.

The obaervers also praised the professionalism of security agencies during the election. Unlike previous elections, the military presence was limited to border areas and flashpoints, while the police and civil defence corps provided effective security at polling units and streets.

The IPCSL deployed 50 directors and collaborated with 20 domestic observer organizations, mobilizing 200 officials across the state’s 18 local government areas.

The group observed the following:

“Most polling units opened on time, though some faced delays due to transportation logistics.

“Voter turnout varied significantly, with some areas experiencing low morale attributed to economic hardship and dwindling interest in politics.

“Incidents of vote trading were recorded, including a violent episode in Idanre where a man was stabbed after allegedly snatching ballot boxes.”

It, however, recommended that INEC intensify voter education and engagement with political parties and civil society to strengthen democracy.

The body similarly called for further review of electoral laws to address challenges and improve security strategies to reduce voter suppression.

“The mission asserts, without fear of contradiction, that the final results declared by INEC truly reflect the records of the ballot boxes at polling units.

“IPCSL commends the collaboration between international and domestic observers and encourages continued improvements to Nigeria’s electoral processes,” David, its spokesperson, concluded.

The observer group further highlighted the competitive efforts of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while noting the near absence of other parties in the election.

According to the results from the 18 local government areas of the state, announced by 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 were 508,963, out of which 11,886 were rejected, leaving 497,077 as the total valid votes.

Meanwhile, Governor Aiyedatiwa led a massive thank-you rally across the Akure metropolis to express gratitude to the people of the state for their overwhelming support in the just-concluded gubernatorial election.

Aiyedatiwa, in company with his deputy-elect, Olayide Adelami, and a crowd of supporters, traversed major streets in the state capital, acknowledging cheers from residents, who turned out in large numbers to celebrate his historic victory.

The rally began at the Government House and coursed through notable locations such as Alagbaka, Arakale, Isinkan, By-pass, Oba Adesida Road, and Oja Oba. Residents lined the streets, waving APC flags and chanting slogans in support of the governor-elect.

The thank-you rally is part of a series of post-election activities aimed at engaging with the electorate and strengthening the bond between the government and the people.

Aiyedatiwa’s landslide victory, in which he won in all 18 local government areas, is being widely celebrated as a significant milestone in Ondo State’s political history.

Also, more congratulatory messages have continued to pour in for the governor.

Aiyedatiwa, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ), having polled 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival and former deputy governor, Mr. Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 117,845 votes.

Congratulatory messages have, in the aftermath, continued to come from different angles, especially from neighbouring governors, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, who is also from the state; the Jagunmolu of Ikale Land , General Olu Bajowa (Rtd); National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone D (South-West), among several others.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his message, described Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s resounding victory at the poll as an affirmation of the people’s will and endorsement of his pro-people agenda.

Abiodun emphasised that Aiyedatiwa’s victory was not only well-deserved but also a testament to the outstanding performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The governor highlighted the APC’s focus on an issue-based campaign, which resonated deeply with the electorate.

Abiodun also commended the collective efforts of all individuals and groups who contributed to the electoral success, saying that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, the NSCDC, among others, did a fantastic job in ensuring a free, fair and credible exercise.

He acknowledged the leadership of the APC at both the national and state levels for their relentless commitment and perseverance, even as he remarked that the ruling party has been waxing stronger under the leadership of the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

The Ogun governor praised President Bola Tinubu for his exemplary democratic principles, noting, “Since taking office, President Tinubu has championed a level playing field in our electoral processes, ensuring a fair and transparent environment for all candidates.”

Similarly, the Minister for Youth Development, Olawande, noted that the resounding victory of Governor Aiyedatiwa attested to the abiding faith the people of Ondo State have in the progressive policies of President Tinubu, the vision and hard work of the Governor, and the core ideology of the APC as a party.

“This triumph is a shining testament to the unwavering trust and confidence the good people of Ondo State have in our party and in the leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa.

“The overwhelming support the people of Ondo State extended to our party before and during the electioneering process was impressive. Clearly, the people have shown to be discerning enough, and they have expressed strong support for the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the tireless efforts of the All Progressives Congress in ensuring good governance across board,” the Minister said.

While expressing gratitude to all the election stakeholders for providing the right atmosphere for the conduct of the election, Olawande commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, ad-hoc staff, especially NYSC members, as well as all stakeholders who contributed to the success and credibility of the election.

The Minister, who said the governor deserves his victory, urged the governor-elect to continue building on the progress made thus far, and to bring everyone together in unity, both within the party and Ondo State as a whole. He also implored all stakeholders to join hands with the elected governor to achieve his vision for the State.

On his part, Bajowa said the overwhelming victory of Aiyedatiwa at the just concluded poll was a testament of his wide acceptance by the people of the state.

“I join all well-wishers to congratulate you on your well-deserved election as “God’s anointed” Executive Governor of Ondo State,” he added.

He, however, said the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa carried with it enormous responsibilities to improve the lives of the people of the State.

The retired general urged the governor to make life more meaningful and abundant for the masses by fighting against hunger, poverty and unemployment.

He enjoined the governor to provide adequate security, transform agricultural, health and education sectors, and prioritise regular power supply for the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Also, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone D (South-West), in its congratulatory message signed by the Deputy Coordinator, Naheem Adegoke, described Aiyedatiwa’s success as an incredible achievement and a reflection of his resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to the progress of the state.

NANS added that the governor had demonstrated that leadership is about building bridges, inspiring hope, and working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that every citizen’s needs are met.

“On behalf of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone, I extend my warmest congratulations to you on your outstanding victory in the just concluded governorship election. This is an incredible achievement, a direct reflection of your resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to the progress of our great state.

“Your triumph is not just a personal success but a victory for every citizen who has long yearned for transformative leadership. It is a victory that embodies the spirit of perseverance through adversity. In a political landscape often marked by challenges, you have proven that with strong will, vision, and dedication, the aspirations of the people can be realised,” Adegoke said.