By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has been declared the winner of the 2024 Ondo State governorship election, making history as the first candidate to win in all 18 local government areas of the state.
The announcement was made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), achieved a resounding victory, garnering 366,781 votes, the highest ever recorded by a gubernatorial candidate in Ondo State.
His closest rival, Mr Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), secured 117,845 votes, cementing Aiyedatiwa’s dominance across the state.
Speaking at the Government House in Akure shortly after the announcement, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to the people of Ondo State for their trust and support, dedicating the victory to 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 is yours, and it reinforces my resolve to work tirelessly for the betterment of every citizen,” he said.
He pledged to run an inclusive and participatory government, prioritising economic growth, welfare, and opportunities for all citizens.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also commended INEC for conducting a credible election and lauded security agencies for maintaining peace during 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 noted.
The Governor extended an olive branch to opposition parties, calling for collaboration to build a better Ondo State.
He also dedicated his victory to God and to the memory of late former Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN.
The APC National Chairman, Dr Umar Ganduje, expressed confidence in the party’s ability to further solidify its dominance in the South-West, declaring that reclaiming Osun and Oyo States from the PDP was their next priority.
Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the people of Ondo State for their peaceful conduct during the election, describing it as a model for other states.
Eleven APC governors were present in Akure to witness the announcement of the results, including Governors Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq (Kwara), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Bassey Otu (Cross River), and Hope Uzodinma (Imo).
Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC National Working Committee, and his campaign team for their support and dedication.
“To the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I appreciate your exemplary leadership and commitment to ensuring a level playing field. To the APC State Chairman, campaign team, my family, and friends, this victory is ours to celebrate,” he added.
As the Governor begins his second term, he reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the prosperity and unity of Ondo State, pledging to leave a legacy of progress and inclusivity.
