Live Updates: Ondo Decides
SUNDAY 17, NOVEMBER, 2024
6:55AM
Collation Adjourns Till 12pm
The collation of results of the Ondo State Governorship Election has been adjourned till 12pm Sunday.
Election results from Ilaje, Ese-Odo and Odigbo LGAs are yet to be announced.
6:01 AM
Ondo Decides: Aiyedatiwa Leads in 13 LGAs
Fidelis David in Akure
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, candidate of All Progressives Congress in Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State is leading in all the 13 LGAs results announced so far by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Final collation commenced at the INEC office in Akure, the state capital, around 12: 35 am.
Besides INEC, had uploaded 92.09 per cent of the results from polling units. Out of 3,933 polling units across the state, INEC uploaded the results of 3,622 units to its portal.
The results, however, showed that Aiyedatiwa was ahead of his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja, Prof Olayemi Akinwunmi, and the Returning Officer of the exercise after declaring the results from the 13 Council areas said it will reconvene by 5am for the remaining results from five LGAs — Akure north, Okitipupa, Odigbo, Ilaje and Ese-Odo.
THE RESULTS FROM EACH LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Ifedore LGA, Ondo state
Registered voters: 83831
Accredited voters: 21024
APC: 14157
LP: 19
PDP: 5897
ZLP: 14
Total valid votes: 20438
Rejected: 560
Total votes cast: 20998
Ondo East LGA, Ondo state
Registered voters: 52274
Accredited voters: 11864
APC: 8163
LP: 31
PDP: 2843
ZLP: 219
Total valid votes: 11544
Rejected votes: 308
Total votes cast: 11852
Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo LGA, Ondo state
Registered voters: 81954
Accredited voters: 22256
APC: 16600
LP: 23
PDP: 4442
ZLP: 38
Total valid votes: 21454
Rejected votes: 541
Total votes cast: 21995
Idanre LGA, Ondo state
Registered voters: 91392
Accredited voters: 19712
APC: 9114
LP: 24
PDP: 8940
ZLP: 14
Total valid votes: 18430
Rejected votes: 748
Total votes cast: 19178
Irele LGA, Ondo state
Registered voters: 78982
Accredited voters: 24772
APC: 17117
LP: 15
PDP: 6601
ZLP: 4
Total valid votes: 24031
Rejected votes: 718
Total votes cast: 24749
Akoko south-west LGA, Ondo state
Registered voters: 116368
Accredited voters: 36300
APC: 29700
LP: 16
PDP: 5517
ZLP: 10
Total valid votes: 35700
Rejected votes: 525
Total votes cast: 36225
Owo LGA, Ondo state
Registered voters: 143751
Accredited voters: 38340
APC: 31914
LP: 42
PDP: 4740
ZLP: 15
Total valid votes: 37334
Rejected votes: 983
Total votes cast: 38317
Ondo west LGA, Ondo state
Registered voters: 19066
Accredited voters: 31418
APC: 20755
LP: 181
PDP: 6387
ZLP: 1972
Total valid votes: 30238
Rejected votes: 1144
Total valid votes: 31382
Abbas Mimiko, ZLP candidate, is from this LGA.
Akoko south-east LGA, Ondo state
Registered voters: 41978
Accredited voters: 15150
APC: 12140
LP: 10
PDP: 2692
ZLP: 2
Total valid votes:14988
Rejected votes: 160
Total votes cast:15148
Akoko north-west LGA
Registered voters: 84908
Accredited voters: 31263
APC: 25010
LP: 23
PDP: 5502
ZLP: 13
Total valid votes: 30805
Rejected votes: 309
Total votes cast: 31114
Ose LGA, Ondo state
Registered voters:
Accredited voters: 21661
APC: 16555
LP: 06
PDP: 4472
ZLP: 05
Total valid votes: 21265
Rejected votes: 342
Total votes cast: 21607
Akure south LGA, Ondo state
Registered voters: 314709
Accredited voters: 54670
APC: 32969
LP: 238
PDP: 17926
ZLP: 252
Total valid votes: 52991
Rejected votes: 1651
Total votes cast: 54642
Akoko north-east LGA, Ondo state
Registered voters: 93285
Accredited voters: 31734
APC: 25657
LP: 14
PDP: 5072
ZLP: 06
Total valid votes: 31182
Rejected votes: 515
Total votes cast: 31697
1:51 AM
Breaking: Aiyedatiwa Wins Akoko North East LGA
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has won the elections in Ondo West Local Government Area.
Aiyedatiwa scored 25,657 votes to defeat his closest rival, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Agboola Ajayi, who scored 5,072.
1:48 AM
Breaking: Aiyedatiwa Wins Akoko North West, Ose, Akure South LGAs
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has won the elections in Akoko North West, Ose and Akure South Local Government Areas.
In Akoko North West local government, Governor Aiyedatiwa scored 25,010 votes to defeat his closest rival, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Agboola Ajayi, who scored 5,502
Aiyedatiwa polled 16,555 in Ose local government while Ajayi scored 4,472 votes.
In Akure South local Government, Aiyedatiwa scored 32,969 votes to defeat Ajayi, who scored 17,926 votes.
1:46 AM
Breaking: Aiyedatiwa Wins Akoko South East LGA
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has won the elections in Ondo West Local Government Area.
Aiyedatiwa scored 12,140 votes to defeat his closest rival, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Agboola Ajayi, who scored 2,692.
1:45 AM
Breaking: Aiyedatiwa Wins Ondo West LGA
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has won the elections in Ondo West Local Government Area.
Aiyedatiwa scored 20,755 votes to defeat his closest rival, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Agboola Ajayi, who scored 6,387.
1:34 AM
Breaking: Aiyedatiwa Wins Akoko South East LGA
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has won the elections in Ondo West Local Government Area.
Aiyedatiwa scored 12,140 votes to defeat his closest rival, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Agboola Ajayi, who scored 2,692.
1: 32 AM
Breaking: Aiyedatiwa Wins Ondo West LGA
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has won the elections in Ondo West Local Government Area.
Aiyedatiwa scored 20,755 votes to defeat his closest rival, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Agboola Ajayi, who scored 6,387.
1: 14 AM
Breaking: Aiyedatiwa Wins Owo LGA
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has won the elections in Owo Local Government Area.
Aiyedatiwa scored 31,914 votes to defeat his closest rival, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Agboola Ajayi, who scored 4,740.
1: 12 AM
Breaking: Aiyedatiwa Wins Akoko South West LGA
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has won the elections in Akoko South West Local Government Area.
Aiyedatiwa scored 29,700 votes to defeat his closest rival, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Agboola Ajayi, who scored 5,517.
1: 04 AM
Breaking: Aiyedatiwa Wins Irele LGA
The candidate of the All Proreesives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has won the elections in Irele Local Government Area.
Aiyedatiwa scored 17,117 votes to defeat his closest rival, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Agboola Ajayi, who scored 6,601.
1: 04 AM
Breaking: Aiyedatiwa Wins Idanre LGA
The candidate of the All Proreesives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has won the elections in Idanre Local Government Area.
Aiyedatiwa scored 9,114 votes to defeat his closest rival, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Agboola Ajayi, who scored 8,940.
1: 02 AM
Breaking: Aiyedatiwa Wins Ifedore, Ondo East, Ile Oluji/Okeigbo LGAs
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has won the elections in Ifedore, Ondo East and Ile Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Areas.
In Ifedore local government, Aiyedatiwa scored 14,157 votes to defeat his closest rival, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Agboola Ajayi, who scored 5,897.
Aiyedatiwa polled 8,163 in Ondo East while Ajayi scored 2,843 votes.
In Ile Oluji/Okeigbo local Government, the APC governorship candidate scored 16,600 votes to defeat the PDP candidate, who scored 4,442 votes
Details later
SATURDAY 16, NOVEMBER, 2024
09: 12pm
Ex-commissioner, Niran Sule-Akinsuyi, Optimistic Aiyedatiwa Will Emerge Victorious
Fidelis David in Akure
A former commissioner, in Ondo State, Niran Sule-Akinsuyi, has expressed confidence in the victory of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Saturday’s Poll, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Sule-Akinsuyi who stated this after casting his vote in his hometown, Owo local government area of the state, asserted that the people of the coastal State reciprocated Governor Aiyedatiwa’s exceptional compassion for pensioners, civil servants, children, and the elderly with their votes.
According to the former commissioner, within a short time as Governor, he has proven himself to be a compassionate and dedicated leader determined to continue the work of our brother and former Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Reflecting on Governor Aiyedatiwa’s approach to governance, Hon Akinsuyi said” Governor Aiyedatiwa’s approach to governance reflects a deep commitment to improving the lives of the people of Ondo State. His leadership style and actions have consistently prioritized the well-being and dignity of the most vulnerable segments of our society. His victory means a renewed invitation to serve and positively impact our state.
“In this new era, Ondo State needs a leader with a clear commitment to its people. In Governor Aiyedatiwa, we have an advocate for those who have been overlooked and underserved in our state.
“Over the past few months, Governor Aiyedatiwa has led Ondo State with a keen understanding of the unique challenges we face. His approach to leadership stands to benefit the people of our sunshine state immensely, Hon Niran Sule-Akinsuyi stated.
05:47pm
Aiyedatiwa, Ajayi Win Polling Units
Fidelis David in Akure
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC in today’s governorship election in Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has won his polling unit at Ugbo Ward 4, Obenla community in Ilaje LGA area of the state.
Specifically, Aiyedatiwa scored 128 while PDP has three votes.
This is just as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the election, Agboola Ajayi won his polling unit at Apoi Ward 11, Unit 004 at RCM Idumado Quarters Kiribo in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of the state.
He scored 194 votes while APC had three votes.
Also, at PU006, Ogunmade/Umoro compound, Ajagba ward 2, in Irele LGA APC had 101 while PDP scored 27 votes.
However, as at 3:27PM voting was still in progress at polling unit 002, Ward 15 Oba II, Okede1 Baptist Day Primary School, Oba-Akoko in Akoko South West.
Ade Adeogun, a former member of House of Representatives for Akoko South East/Akoko South West Federal Constituency attributed the delay in the unit to dysfunctionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) deployed to the polling unit.
05:42pm
BVAS Not Capturing Elderly, INEC Official Says
A Presiding Officer, Miss Angela Oshogwe, at the ongoing governorship election in Ondo State has said that the Bio modal Voter Accreditation System( BVAS) machine could not capture faces of some elderly voters.
Oshogwe, manning Poling Unit 19, Ward 11 Olamojuba, Ondo in Ondo West Local Government Area of the state, said that she had lodged the complaints to the concerned authorities.
She added that the response she got was that the complaint was not limited to her polling unit, stating that the elderly had been waiting for long to vote without success.
According to her, there is the possibility of the BVAS to function before the close of voting.
Reacting to the complaint, Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the commission was aware of the development in “very limited” polling units
“We are aware that in very limited cases, a few elderly voters couldn’t be accredited by the BVAS at first attempt. But, in subsequent attempts, the problem was resolved.
“A Presiding Officer in one polling unit (PU) out of 3,933 PUs in Ondo State is not in the position to say how widespread a technical problem is.
“From the reports at our disposal, so far, the BVAS is performing satisfactorily. It is not unusual for technical issues to occur in a major off-season election like the one we are conducting today.
“We anticipated it and made adequate arrangements to respond to any type of challenge,” Oyekanmi said
A septuagenarian, Mrs Agnes Olapade, who was affected by the technical problem, said that she was disappointed that she could not vote due to malfunction of the BVAS.
Olapade said she had been at the polling unit, with other affected elderly voters, since 8:00 a.m. without being able to vote.
According to her. she voted in the previous elections without any difficulty.
Similarly, Mrs Rukayat Olawoye, 87 years old, said that she came out because of the voting but was disappointed at the difficulty occasioned by the BVAS.
Another septuagenarian, Mrs Ronke Fayankimi, stated that she and other affected voters would continue to wait, to see if the BVAS would capture their faces.(NAN)
05: 32pm
Election Free, Fair, Credible, Says Jimoh Ibrahim
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, (APC- Ondo South) has described the conduct of the Ondo State governorship election as free, fair and credible.
Ibrahim, addressed journalists on Saturday at Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area, shortly after he performed his civic rights.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ibrahim cast his vote at Idogun unit 2, Igbotako Ward 2 in Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Ibrahim, a business mogul also re-emphasised his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR and the National Chairman of the Party, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje.
According to him, I can confidently tell you that I am satisfied with the conduct of this election because it is free, fair, credible and without violence.
“I voted for my party as a loyal member under President Bola Tinubu and our respected National party chairman, Ganduje and I can say that definitely, APC will win this election,”Sen. Ibrahim said. (NAN)
02: 58pm
Traditional Rulers Commend INEC, Security Agencies
Two first class traditional rulers in Akoko area of Ondo State have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for their conduct in the ongoing governorship election in the state.
The two kings also urged political parties and their supporters to see the outcome of the election as a will of God and accept the outcome when it is finally announced by the electoral body.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in his palace at Ikare, Oba Adeleke Adedoyin, Owa-Ale of Ikare-Akoko, said the people of Ondo state, as peace lovers, must shun any form of violence that could arise from the poll.
According to him, the election has been peaceful, so far, and people are casting their votes without any issue.
“Election should not be a do or die affair. No matter what, it is, just one person will be declared winner.
“I will advise the candidates and their supporters to accept the outcome of the election.
There should not be any form of rancour and violence that will disturb the peace in the state, because we are all one.
“And if for any reason, one party is not satisfy with the outcome of the poll, such party should seek legal redress instead of causing problems,” he said.
Also speaking with NAN, Oba Issa Olanipekun IV, Saki of Arigidi-Akoko, in Akoko NorthWest Local Government Area, commended INEC officials and security agencies for a peaceful election in his domain and beyond
He also called on political supporters not to allow politicians to use them for their own selfish interest.
“So far, there is peace in Arigidi Akoko and people are voting for candidates of their choice. Nobody is harassing anybody . As far as I am concerned the election is peaceful.
“By the grace of God, there will not be any problem because we had a meeting with INEC in Akure and we have warned our subjects to stay away from trouble.
“So, I am very sure that there will be no chaos. The era of political crisis when we had ‘operation wet e” is gone,” he said NAN
01:08pm
Security Operatives Nab Vote-buyer in Akure
•Over 30 military checkpoints mounted between Akure – Oke-Agbe
Fidelis David in Akure
Some officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected vote-buyer in Akure, the Ondo state capital.
He was arrested at Ward 4, Polling Unit 007 outside St. Stephen’s Primary School, Akure, Ondo State around 9am.
The suspect was said to have been nabbed with two bags of money which were suspected to be for the inducement of voters in the election.
Although, THISDAY observed that there was high turnout o electorate but the election was conducted amid tight security.
Specifically, during a tour from Akure through Owo, to Ikare and Oke-Agbe in Akoko North West Local Government Area of the state, over 30 military checkpoints were observed.
Particularly at ‘Semu-semu’ roundabout in Ikare-Akoko, Akoko North East council area, soldiers who mounted the road prevented Journalists and INEC officials from accessing the road for 30 minutes.
It however took the intervention of higher authorities before the barricade on the road was removed.
Meanwhile, Minister of Interior, Olubumi Tunji-Ojo cast his vote at ward 03, Unit 17 Court Hall/Igafo/Araoye in Akoko North West LGA
Tunji-Ojo who cast his vote around 11:33AM however, expressed satisfaction with the electoral process.
He also commended INEC officials for arriving early for the exercise.
In the same vein, Ifeoluwa Ehindero, member representing Akoko Northeast/Northwest Federal Constituency, cast his vote at Oyin/Oge Ward 4, Unit 2, Akoko North West LGA.
Arriving at the polling unit early at 9:00am, Hon. Ehindero expressed satisfaction with the orderly conduct of the voting process. He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring a smooth and transparent election exercise.
Speaking after casting his vote, Ehindero urged the people of Ondo State to come out en masse and exercise their civic responsibility peacefully.
He emphasized the importance of this election in shaping the future of Ondo State, expressing confidence in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to deliver impactful leadership and sustained development for the state.
“We are here to build a better future for our people. I am optimistic about the choice Ondo State is making today. I encourage everyone to remain peaceful, cooperative, and vigilant throughout the process,” Hon. Ehindero stated.
12:25pm
Aiyedatiwa Votes at Obenla, Lauds Electorate
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), cast his vote at Polling Unit 5 (Obenla), Ward IV, Ilaje Local Government Area, at 8:52a.m on Saturday.
Speaking with newsmen after casting his vote, Aiyesatiwa commended the election process in the polling unit.
The governor, who appreciated security agencies for maintaining law and order, commended the electorate for organising themselves in a peaceful manner.
He also praised INEC for making the process seamless, saying: “I passed through all the process and it is okay.
“The turnout is encouraging, and I want to believe that the situation will be the same in other locations in the state. It has been peaceful here, I want to believe it will be peaceful in other locations.
“I want to commend the security agencies. They are heavily deployed to prevent any ugly situation and I believe people will support themselves, we are peaceful people.
“Ondo State has been adjudged as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. We have been having our elections in a peaceful environment and this very one will not be different.”
While urging INEC to ensure that the process continues to be free, fair and credible, Aiyedatiwa commended the large voter turnout in the unit. (NAN)
12:18PM
Agboola Expresses Displeasure at Conduct of Election
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the Ondo State governorship election, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, has expressed displeasure at the conduct of the election in Kiribo, Ese-Odo Local Government Area.
Ajayi was accredited and cast his vote at 10:45 a.m, at Unit 4, Ward 2 Idumado in Kiribo, Ese-Odo LGA.
The PDP governorship candidate and a former deputy governor said that it took more than 10 minutes for the INEC BVAS to capture him.
“The system is not perfect and there are lots of complainants here and there.
“If INEC cannot successfully organise an election in just one state, then you must know that we are running into anarchy.
“I think it is deliberate on the part of INEC, on the part of the Resident Electoral Commission (REC).
“And we have said it severally that we don’t trust Barr. Oluwatoyin Babalola (REC). That this woman cannot be fair.
“The system is compromised and we have series of calls made by everybody. People are complaining of vote buying, BVAS problem. It is a very shameful exercise,” he said.
Agboola also called for the resignation of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC chairman.
“And I think people should call on the INEC chairman to resign if he cannot do the job. He should just resign.
“It is totally compromised. This is sad and Nigerians are not happy. Here, it is peaceful to some extent,” he said. (NAN)
11:46am
Minister of Interior, Olubumi Tunji-Ojo, casting his vote at Akoko North West Ward 03, Polling unit, 17 Court Hall/Igafo/Araoye
11: 40 am
PDP’s Agboola Ajayi Votes in Ese-Odo, Expresses Dissatisfaction
Fidelis David in Akure
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in today’s governorship election in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, has exercised his civic responsibility by casting his vote.
Ajayi exercised his franchise at Apoi Ward 11, Unit 004 at RCM Idumado Quarters Kiribo in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking with Journalists, the PDP candidate expressed dissatisfaction with the electoral process.
His words: “The system has been compromised, It’s sad INEC can’t conduct election well in one state. BVAS aren’t working, it took about 10 minutes to capture me. I think it is deliberate on the part of INEC and the REC, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola and we’ve said this several times that the woman can’t be fair.
“I have had series of complaints from across the state, people are complaining of vote buying. It is a very shameful exercise”, Ajayi lamented.
10: 57am
Ondo Deputy Governor, Adelami, Votes in Owo, Urges Residents to Exercise Franchise
Fidelis David in Akure
Ondo state deputy governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, has exercised his franchise at his Igboroko 2, Ward 3 Unit 16 in Owo local government area.
At about 9:40am, Dr Adelami joined a queue of voters waiting to be accredited and thereafter was in line alongside members of his immediate family to cast his vote.
Speaking with newsmen after exercising his civic duty, the deputy governor asked residents of Owo and the people of the state to come out to vote.
“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,” Adelami charged.
10 : 53am
Aiyedatiwa Describes Process as Transparent
Fidelis David in Akure
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in today’s governorship election in Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has cast his vote.
Aiyedatiwa exercised his franchise at about 8:55 at Ugbo Ward 4, Obenla community in Ilaje LGA area of the coastal state.
Speaking with journalists after casting his ballot, Aiyedatiwa expressed optimism about the seamless conduct of the electoral process.
He commended the organisation and efficiency of INEC at the polling station, noting that the process was both orderly and transparent.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also addressed concerns over accessibility for voters, urging that all eligible voters be granted a fair opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.
The governor praised the security agencies for their effective handling of potential threats during the election process, highlighting that Ondo State remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), expressing confidence in the transparency of the process, acknowledging the timely arrival of officials at his polling unit.
The governor expressed confidence in the outcome, indicating his belief that his administration’s achievements in the past 10 months and commitment to the people of Ondo State would resonate with voters.
09: 44am
Aiyedatiwa Votes at Ilaje Ward 4
Fidelis David in Akure
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC in today’s governorship election in Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has cast his vote.
Aiyedatiwa exercised his franchise at about 8:55 at Ugbo Ward 4, Obenla community in Ilaje LGA area of the coastal state.
At the polling units are various security agencies to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
08:55am
Streets Deserted as Voters Set to Cast Ballots Amid Tight Security
Fidelis David in Akure
Major streets in Akure the Ondo State capital are deserted as voters make final preparations to cast their ballots in the state’s governorship election.
A tour by THISDAY showed that an unusual calmness pervaded the ever-busy Oba Osupa, Oba Adesida, Arakale, Ijoka, Oyemekun and other major roads in the metropolis.
Particularly, the streets, which usually witness vehicular movements, business activities, with the sounds and sights of typical city is noticeably subdued as the electorate gear up for the poll.
The is apparently in compliance with the order of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who ordered restriction of all transportation on roads and waterways.
The restriction, he said, would commence from 6am to 6pm on election day, with the exception of those on essential services, such as ambulances, fire services, and other accredited media.
Egbetokun had said it was part of efforts to guarantee peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process during the Ondo off-circle elections.
He also ordered the prohibition of security aides and escorts attached to VIPs from accompanying them to polling booths and collation centres to prevent disruptions.
Personnel drawn from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Army, Department of State Services, were stationed in strategic locations including NEPA roundabout, Oshiomhole roundabout and First Bank (Alagbaka) to maintain peace and ensure the electoral process runs smoothly.
Nevertheless, some voters were seen at their various polling units waiting to ensure all necessary logistics were in place before they exercise their franchise.
It was also observed that there was early arrival of electoral officials.
As at 7:59am in Polling unit: 003 Ibewari 1, Post Office Office Premises, ward 14 -Oba1, Akoko South West LGA, voters were seen checking their names on the published voter register.
The electoral umpire has reassured the public of its readiness to conduct a credible election and urged voters to maintain patience and orderliness as the day unfolds.
INEC also said it deployed 4,002 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines for the exercise and has additional 812 BVAS machines as reserve in case any of the deployed machines developed faults.
There are 3,933 polling units and 222 collation centres, consisting of 203 ward centres, 18 Local government areas and the state collation centre in Akure.
A total of 1, 757,205 (86.5%) residents of the sunshine state are expected to head to the polls today to choose a governor who will rule the state for another four years.
18 political parties, including the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, are on the ballot but 17 parties are fielding candidates in today’s poll.
They include the incumbent governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC); former deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olugbenga Edema of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP); ZLP’s Dr Abbas Mimiko, who is the younger brother of the former governor of the state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; Otitoloju Akinmurele of Young Progressives Party, among others.
The winner will occupy Alagbaka Government House after the expiration of the current dispensation on February 25, 2025.
5:37am
Tinubu Preaches Peace as 1.7 Million Voters Decide Who Governs Ondo Today
*Says he expects democratic process, people to freely choose their leader
*Citing court order, INEC replaces Ebiseni with Ayodele as LP candidate
*Aiyedatiwa, Agboola, others in last-minute efforts for tough contest
*Security beefed up at INEC office, police, NSCDC pledge to provide level playing ground for all
Deji Elumoye, Linus Aleke in Abuja and Fidelis David in Akure
As Ondo State readies for its off-cycle governorship election today, President Bola Tinubu yesterday, called on all political stakeholders and the electorate to uphold peace and decorum and fulfil their civic responsibilities without fear before or after the poll.
This is as in a last minute change based on a court order, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) replaced the Labour Party candidate, Olusola Ebiseni with Dr. Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus.
The President, in a statement issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said he anticipated a democratic process in the state that will genuinely reflect the people’s will and power to freely choose their leaders.
A total of 1, 757,205 residents of Ondo State are expected to head to the polls today to choose a governor who would rule the state for another four years.
Ondo is one of the eight states that conduct off-cycle governorship elections, which fall outside the usual general election and has successfully conducted it in 2012, 2016, and 2020, with the next one scheduled for November 16, 2024.
Specifically, 18 political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are on the ballot but 17 parties are fielding candidates in today’s poll.
They include the incumbent governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC; former deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi of the PDP, Olugbenga Edema of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP); Dr. Abbas Mimiko, younger brother of the former governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko; Otitoloju Akinmurele of Young Progressives Party, among others.
However, there are only two main contestants and analysts have predicted the poll will largely be a two-horse race. The two parties are the ruling APC and PDP with Aiyedatiwa and Ajayi and both candidates have expressed their readiness for the election.
Interestingly, the winner would occupy Alagbaka Government House after the expiration of the current dispensation on February 25, 2025.
Furthermore, President Tinubu commended INEC for its diligent preparations for the election, particularly its timely distribution of sensitive materials across 18 local government areas in the state.
He also acknowledged the deployment of security men to maintain law and order and appreciated the assurances from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa that the personnel will act professionally and adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act to ensure a credible electoral process.
Tinubu reminded all political stakeholders, especially the candidates, that the people bestow the privilege to govern, and this right must be respected and not undermined.
He emphasised that it was in the best interest of all Nigerians to ensure a free and fair election and consolidate the nation’s over 25 years of democratic governance.
Meanwhile, the major battleground would be in Ondo south where all the 17 candidates hail from.
Besides, there are 3,933 polling units and 222 collation centres, consisting of 203 ward centres, 18 Local government areas and the state collation centre in Akure.
More importantly, INEC recorded 2,053,061 registered voters ahead of the poll. However, 1, 757,205 people collected their PVCs representing 86.5 per cent leaving 205,856 PVCs uncollected.
Also, political parties participating in the election nominated 24,148 polling and collation agents out of the expected cumulative figure of 74,790 agents. While three political parties have no agents at all polling and collation levels.
The electoral body said this means the political parties nominated 32.3 per cent of the expected number of agents.
Citing Court Order, INEC Replaces Ebiseni with Ayodele as LP Candidate
In a last-minute change based on a court order, INEC yesterday, replaced the Labour Party candidate, Olusola Ebiseni with Dr. Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus.
INEC said the replacement was done after it was served with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling of the Court of Appeal which set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division. This was contained in a statement on X handle of the commission yesterday.
The federal high court, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1105/2024, had on September 27, 2024, ordered INEC to accept Olusola Ebiseni as the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) for the 2024 Ondo State Governorship election.
“However, in the appeal with reference number CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024 filed by the Labour Party, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division struck out the judgment of the FHC for lack of jurisdiction.
“In obedience to the court order, the commission therefore restored Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus, whose name was first published as the Labour Party candidate for the 2024 Ondo State Governorship election and uploaded same to our website for public information,” the statement said.
Speaking on the development, the LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh, said Ebiseni was the candidate produced by the NLC group in the party, but that the Appeal Court had kicked him out while restoring the valid candidate, Olorunfemi
Security Beefed Up in Ondo
According to the Inspector General of Police, Egbetokun, the Police deployed a total of 34,657 personnel to the polling units, wards/LGA collation centers as well as other strategic locations.
This is aside the provision of enough Armoured Personnel Carrier (APCs), trucks, patrol vehicles, buses for covert operations, ambulances, helicopters, drones, K9 and anti-riot equipment to complement the strength of Ondo State Command.
The IGP, said “It is expected that four Police personnel will be deployed at each polling unit, which then implies that 15,732 conventional police personnel will be required for the 3,933 polling units and voting points in the State.
“This will be complemented by the Armed Forces, the Intelligence Security Agencies and other sister Security Agencies. A total of 8,500 personnel from the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency will be deployed to augment the Police strength. This will bring the total number of security personnel deployed for the election to 43,157”.
Also, security has been beefed up at the state headquarters of INEC at Alagbaka in Akure, the state capital.
THISDAY observed yesterday morning that personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Army, Department of State Services, were heavily deployed at the INEC office to maintain peace and order.
Specifically, heavily armed security personnel in their patrol vehicles were observed at strategic positions at the entrance gate and major road leading to the INEC state office. Aside from the mounted roadblocks at the main roads leading to the office, some of the security personnel were also seen with sniffer dogs in and around the premises of the office. Also, persons coming into the office were searched at the gate and given tags for identification.
Egbetokun had said he will deploy a total of 34,657 personnel to the polling units, wards/LGA collation centers as well as other strategic locations.
According to him, “It is expected that Four (4) Police personnel will be deployed at each polling unit, which then implies that 15,732 conventional police personnel will be required for the 3,933 polling units and voting points in the State.
“This will be complemented by the Armed Forces, the Intelligence Security Agencies and other sister Security Agencies. A total of 8,500 personnel from the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency will be deployed to augment the Police strength. This will bring the total number of security personnel deployed for the election to 43,157”.
Also, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in Charge of South West, Sylvester Abiodun while briefing Journalists in Akure said conventional police officers and tactical elements of the Force comprising the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Special Protection Unit (SPU), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Explosive Ordinance unit (EOD-CBRT) and the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) were already on ground.
“These units will be supported by the operatives from the Force Criminal and Investigation Department (FCID), Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) and the Intelligence Response Unit (IRT).
“A comprehensive threat analysis of the eight Area Commands and fifty-four (54) Divisional Police Headquarters under Ondo State Police Command was undertaken to identify flash points and the attendant risks posed by individuals and groups before, during and after the election,” he further explained.
He stressed that the force was resolutely committed to providing level playing ground for all contesting candidates irrespective of party affiliation or status and ensuring secured environment for successful and peaceful conduct of elections throughout the state.
“There will be close monitoring of collation of results at all levels and where necessary, promptly attend to any plan to tamper with results or any fraud affecting it,” he assured.
In a related development, the Police yesterday said that they have continued to scale up their preparations and strategies, reinforcing adequate security measures to ensure a smooth run of the electoral process in Ondo State.
A statement by Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi reiterated the ban on the use of siren, covered number plates, aides and escorts during the elections.
This was as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Musa visited Ondo State to assess the readiness of troops and other security agencies that will support the conduct of the elections in the state today.
The Police Spokesperson said that the DIG in charge of Ondo elections, DIG Sylvester Alabi ordered the immediate deployment of CPs assigned for election duties to their designated Local Government Areas.
Speaking on the issue of ‘Cash for Vote”, the CDS directed all security agencies to support to the EFCC, adding, “Once we see such, we should report to the relevant agency”.
The CDS also took time to address the troops of Operation Safe Conduct, Ondo State who are on standby for deployment to various sectors where the election will take place.
Also, the Deputy Commandant General in charge of operations, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ayuba Philips has warned all men and officers of the corps to distance themselves from any form of action that could undermine the off-circle gubernatorial election.
Ayuba dropped the warning yesterday while addressing newsmen at the state headquarters of the formation in Akure, Ondo State capital on the preparedness of the formation for the election. He noted that any men or officers of the formation found culpable of any action seen to have compromised the process of the election would be dismissed from service.
He assured electorates in Ondo State that the formation was fully ready to checkmate anyone planning to undermine the peaceful conduct of the November 16 off-circle gubernatorial election.
According to him, all the men and officers of the formation are fully prepared and those drawn from outside Ondo State have arrived for the poll.
Phillips said, “We want the people to trust us and also believe in us, that we shall give them the best and nothing but the best. However, let me just say, from the authority of the civil defense. We don’t condone any act of unprofessionalism from any of our officers and men.
“Anybody who decides to commit any atrocity, I think he is asking himself to be out of the system. We shall not leave anybody. Once you commit, you should know your way is out.”
