Ondo Governorship Election 2024: A Preview of the 2024 Contest

 

The people of Ondo State are bracing themselves for the gubernatorial election scheduled to take place tomorrow, November 16, 2024. This election promises to be a thrilling contest between two strong contenders: Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Agboola Ajayi of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) .

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The Contenders

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent acting governor, took office after the demise of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in December 2023. Aiyedatiwa boasts an impressive resume, with experience in business, politics, and governance. His running mate is Olayide Adelami.

Agboola Ajayi, on the other hand, served as deputy governor during Akeredolu's first term (2017-2020). Ajayi has a strong track record in law, politics, and public service. His running mate is Festus Akingbaso.

48 hours to the governorship election in Ondo State, 3 gubernatorial candidates have withdrawn from the election, endorsing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa,  just 48 hours before the polls are set to open. Dr. Ajibola Falaye, the candidate of the Accord Party, made the announcement on behalf of the three parties, citing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa's commitment to public service and infrastructural development as the reasons for their endorsement .

The candidates who withdrew are:

- Accord Party: Dr. Ajibola Falaye

- National Rescue Movement (NRM): Mr. Jenyo Ataunoko

- African Democratic Congress (ADC): Mr. Adeyemi Nejo (gubernatorial candidate) and Mr. Olaide Rasheed Ibrahim (deputy gubernatorial candidate) 

Governor Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed gratitude for the endorsement, calling it a "quality decision made out of goodwill" by the candidates and their parties . This development could potentially boost Aiyedatiwa's chances in the election, but only time will tell. The Ondo State governorship election is scheduled to take place on November 16, 2024.

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With 17 candidates vying for the top spot, the election promises to be intense. However, analysts predict that the real contest will be between Aiyedatiwa and Ajayi. The APC, as the ruling party, appears to have an edge, but the PDP is determined to give them a run for their money.

Key Factors to Watch

- The Akeredolu Dynasty's Influence: Will they support Aiyedatiwa or Ajayi?

- The Role of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike: Will he back Ajayi, his party member, or Aiyedatiwa, the APC candidate?

- The Performance of INEC: Will they ensure a free and fair election?

Past Elections

In the 2020 gubernatorial election, Rotimi Akeredolu won re-election for a second term, defeating Eyitayo Jegede of the PDP and Agboola Ajayi of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) . Akeredolu received 51.1% of the votes, Jegede received 34.2%, while Ajayi received 12.1%.

As the people of Ondo State head to the polls tomorrow, the nation watches with bated breath. Will Aiyedatiwa retain his seat, or will Ajayi pull off an upset? Only time will tell. One thing is certain: the outcome of this election will shape the future of Ondo State.

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Regardless of the outcome, the people of Ondo State deserve a free and fair election. As the electoral process unfolds, it is essential to prioritize transparency, accountability, and the will of the people.

The stage is set for a thrilling contest. Let the best candidate win!