- Security Tightened with Over 22,000 Personnel Deployed for Peaceful Polls
- 1.7 Million Voters to Decide Among 18 Candidates in Highly Anticipated Race
As Ondo State prepares to elect a new governor, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies have reaffirmed their readiness to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.
The governorship race features 18 candidates, with the spotlight firmly on Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Both contenders, former deputies to the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, are vying to shape the state’s next political chapter.
A Two-Horse Race Amid 18 Contenders
With 1.7 million Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collected, the election is widely viewed as a direct contest between Aiyedatiwa and Ajayi. Other notable candidates include Dr. Abbas Mimiko of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), who is the only contender from outside Ondo South, in line with an unwritten rotational zoning agreement.
INEC recently resolved a legal dispute by reinstating Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus as the Labour Party (LP) candidate, replacing Olusola Ebiseni as ordered by the appellate court.
Security and Logistics in Focus
Security has been tightened, with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) deploying 22,000 personnel supported by 6,000 operatives from other security agencies. Police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi outlined comprehensive measures, including the restriction of movement and a ban on unauthorized escorts or sirens.
Meanwhile, INEC has deployed 4,002 Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS) for voter accreditation and real-time result uploads to its IReV portal, assuring transparency and credibility.
Economic Downturn Dampens Pre-Election Buzz
Unlike previous elections, the build-up to this year’s contest has been marked by a lack of the usual political fervor. Economic hardship and waning public trust in the electoral process have contributed to the subdued atmosphere. Akure, the state capital, remained unusually calm, with low activity at motor parks and minimal last-minute market rushes.
Transport officials reported a significant drop in passenger numbers, citing high fuel costs and disinterest as major factors.
High-Stakes Local Council Battles
Several local councils, including Idanre, Owo, and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo, are predicted to be electoral hotspots due to historical tensions and political rivalries. In Idanre, a stronghold for both APC and PDP, party leaders are locked in a fierce contest to claim dominance.
Owo, the hometown of the late Governor Akeredolu, has seen division among his loyalists, with some reportedly working against APC’s Aiyedatiwa.
Calls for Peace and Integrity
President Bola Tinubu has urged all stakeholders to maintain peace and uphold democratic values. He commended INEC for its efficient preparations and expressed confidence in the professionalism of security personnel.
Tinubu also reminded candidates to respect the people’s mandate, emphasizing the importance of consolidating Nigeria’s 25-year democratic journey.
INEC reiterated its commitment to ensuring that voters’ choices would determine the outcome, stressing that all necessary logistics were in place for a free and fair election.
As Ondo’s electorate heads to the polls, the outcome will not only shape the state’s future but also reinforce public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.
