The Ondo State Governorship election is underway, with the incumbent governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, emerging as a leading contender. The race is closely monitored, with 17 political parties fielding candidates for the poll, including prominent challengers like AGBOOLA Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The election marks a critical moment for the state as over 1.7 million registered voters determine their next leader.
In a bid to ensure peaceful and credible elections, the National Peace Committee, chaired by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, facilitated the signing of a peace accord among candidates. This move underscores a collective commitment to a violence-free process, with all parties pledging to respect the outcome of a free and fair election.
INEC has deployed over 36,000 personnel across the state’s 3,933 polling units to ensure the safety of voters and election materials. This extensive security arrangement highlights the Commission’s determination to uphold transparency and credibility in the electoral process.
Governor Aiyedatiwa has called for unity among stakeholders, urging supporters to adhere to election laws and avoid any form of violence. His leadership during the campaign and insistence on peaceful conduct have been pivotal in setting the tone for the process.
The Ondo election is expected to serve as a benchmark for future off-cycle elections in Nigeria, with both INEC and security agencies emphasizing the need for civility and adherence to the rule of law during and after the polls.