The Ondo State governorship election is underway with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other candidates casting their votes amid reports of vote-buying and security concerns in some areas.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who is seeking to retain his position after taking over following the death of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in December 2023, voted at Polling Unit 6, Ward 4 in Obenla, Ilaje Local Government Area.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, also cast his vote in his hometown, Kiribo, Apoi, in Ese-Odo Local Government Area at Apoi Ward 11 Unit 004 at RCM Idumado Quarters.
Security Concerns and Vote-Buying Allegations
The Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly arrested an alleged vote-buyer at Ward 4, Polling Unit 007 outside St. Stephen's Primary School, Akure. The suspect was apprehended with two Ghana-must-go bags of money believed to be intended for voter inducement.
Meanwhile, PDP deputy governorship candidate, Festus Akingbaso, has alleged that APC thugs have invaded several villages in Idanre Local Government Area. Speaking after casting his vote at Polling Unit 005, Oke Imikan, Akingbaso claimed that villages such as Ofosun, Omifunfun, and Allah were reportedly occupied by suspected thugs.
"Information reaching me indicates that several villages are overrun by thugs allegedly brought in by the APC. Villages such as Ofosun, Omifunfun, and Allah are reportedly occupied. In Igbepo, suspected thugs have gathered in large numbers," Akingbaso stated.
Deputy Governors Vote
Ondo State Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami, cast his vote in his hometown, Owo, at Igboroko 2, Ward 3 Unit 16, at about 10:00 am. After voting, Adelami urged residents to exercise their franchise, stating, "Your vote is your power. I urge you all to come out to vote. In so doing, you will be contributing to the promotion of good governance and a greater Ondo state."
INEC Operations
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commenced moving voting materials to polling units early Saturday morning. In Irele Local Government Area, officials were observed moving materials to various voting centers in Ward 8.
According to INEC data, 18 governorship candidates are participating in the election, with the main contenders being Lucky Aiyedatiwa (APC), Agboola Ajayi (PDP), Olorunfemi Festus (Labour Party), and Abbas Mimiko (Zenith Labour Party).
The election comes 11 months after the death of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, with Aiyedatiwa, who was Akeredolu's deputy, seeking to secure a full term in office.
In a last-minute development before the election, the Independent National Electoral Commission reinstated Olorunfemi Festus as the Labour Party's candidate following a Court of Appeal ruling that overturned a Federal High Court judgment which had ordered INEC to accept Olusola Ebiseni as the party's candidate.
