• Vote Buying, Violence Mar Election Credibility
• INEC Assures Transparency, Resumes Collation Today Amid Tension
• Stakeholders React as Allegations of Irregularities Overshadow Election
• Residents Divided Over Election Process
• PDP Alleges Electoral Misconduct
The governorship election in Ondo State held on Saturday has seen Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate and incumbent governor, taking an early lead. Results from polling units across the 18 local government areas show that Aiyedatiwa is ahead of his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in key areas.
By late Saturday night, over 98.37 percent of the results from 3,933 polling units had been uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) result viewing portal (IReV), leaving only 64 units pending. Early results indicate that Aiyedatiwa has a commanding lead in major local government areas, raising expectations of an APC victory.
Breakdown of Results Shows APC’s Strength
The APC posted significant margins in several local government areas:
Akoko North-East LGA
Ekan Ward, Ilepa PU: APC: 192 | PDP: 45
Iyometa II Ward, Idomu/Agbrun/Owajimite PU: APC: 218 | PDP: 45
Akure North LGA
APC: 14,451 | PDP: 5,787
Okitipupa LGA
APC: 26,811 | PDP: 10,233
While these figures suggest a decisive lead for Aiyedatiwa, analysts have cautioned that the final outcome will depend on the results yet to be collated from five local government areas.
INEC Suspends Collation Due to Delays
The collation process was halted by the State Collation Officer, Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi, due to delays in receiving results from Ese-Odo, Ilaje, Odigbo, Akure South, and Ondo West LGAs. He assured stakeholders that collation would resume at noon on Sunday.
“We are committed to a transparent process and urge everyone to remain calm while we await the outstanding results,” Prof. Akinwunmi said during a media briefing.
Reports of Irregularities Mar Election Credibility
Despite the progress made in the collation process, the election has been overshadowed by allegations of irregularities, including vote buying, violence, and technical challenges.
Vote Buying Allegations
Observers reported widespread vote buying, with parties allegedly offering voters sums ranging from ₦3,000 to ₦15,000. In Owo LGA, a voter who chose to remain anonymous said: “I was approached with cash to vote for a particular party. It’s a shame this still happens.”
The Department of State Services (DSS) confirmed the arrest of a suspect in Akure for distributing cash to influence votes. Yiaga Africa and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) have called for swift action to address these allegations.
Violence in Idanre and Ilaje LGAs
There were reports of violence in Ofosu, Ala, and Ajegunle communities, where thugs allegedly disrupted voting. A youth leader in Idanre stated: “Many voters left the polling units for fear of being harmed. This is a huge setback for our democracy.”
BVAS Malfunction
Technical challenges with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) caused delays in several polling units. In Akure South LGA, voters expressed frustration over the prolonged accreditation process.
Reactions from Key Stakeholders
The APC candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, expressed confidence in the outcome of the election. “The support from the good people of Ondo State has been overwhelming. I am optimistic that we will emerge victorious,” he said after casting his vote in Ilaje LGA.
However, Agboola Ajayi of the PDP criticized the conduct of the election, describing it as a mockery of democracy. “From vote buying to violence, this process has been fraught with irregularities. INEC must ensure that the will of the people is respected,” Ajayi stated.
Other candidates also shared their thoughts. Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate Dr. Akinwale Oladele condemned the monetization of the electoral process. “This election is a testament to how low our democracy has sunk. We must find a way to return integrity to our elections,” he said.
Observers and Security Agencies React
Yiaga Africa and the Centre for Democracy and Development noted significant flaws in the election process. While commending the peaceful atmosphere in some areas, they highlighted vote trading and violence as major issues.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) described the election as “relatively peaceful” but expressed concerns over isolated incidents of violence and logistical challenges.
DIG Sylvester Alabi, leading the security team for the polls, said: “Our officers ensured safety in most areas, but we will investigate reports of violence and hold perpetrators accountable.”
Ondo Residents Express Mixed Feelings
Reactions from Ondo residents have been mixed, with some expressing satisfaction with the process and others voicing concerns over alleged irregularities.
A trader in Okitipupa, Mrs. Funmi Akinola, said: “The process was smooth in my area. I believe this election reflects the will of the people.”
However, a voter in Ese-Odo, Mr. Samuel Ojo, lamented the disruption caused by thugs. “We are tired of this kind of politics. It’s time for leaders to do better,” he said.
INEC Urges Calm as Collation Resumes
As collation resumes on Sunday, INEC has called for calm and patience among citizens. “We are working to ensure the integrity of this process. Let’s avoid speculation and allow the system to run its course,” the commission said in a statement.
With tensions high and expectations mounting, all eyes remain on the final results, which will determine the next leader of Ondo State.
