As Ondo State prepares for its off-cycle governorship election on November 16, 2024, all eyes are on the 17 candidates from various political parties vying for leadership. Among the key contenders are Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC, Ajayi Agboola of the PDP, and Olorunfemi Ayodele of the Labour Party. Notably, this election features diverse profiles, including the youngest candidate at 35 from the Youth Party and a candidate with disabilities from the ADC.
To ensure a peaceful process, the National Peace Committee, led by Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, oversaw the signing of a peace accord by all candidates. The accord emphasizes a commitment to non-violence and acceptance of the results if adjudged credible. INEC has pledged a fair process, deploying over 36,000 security personnel to safeguard the 3,933 polling units.
INEC’s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has urged stakeholders to focus on peaceful participation. He also highlighted efforts to address logistical challenges and secure voter confidence. With intense campaigns wrapped up, voter turnout and adherence to the peace accord remain critical for a successful election.
Stay tuned for live updates as Ondo sets the stage for what many hope will be a model for future off-cycle elections in Nigeria.