The governor of Ondo State Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been declared the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the November 16th, 2024 gubernatorial bye-election in the State.
Governor Aiyedatiwa who is now the party’s flagbearer amassed a total of 48,569 votes while fellow contender, Mr. Mayowa Akinfolarin, polled 15,343 votes, with Mr Olusola Oke coming in third position with 14,865 votes.
The Governor was declared the winner by the Chairman of the Governorship Primary Election Committee and Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, in the early hours of Monday.
Governor Ododo also noted that the electoral process went ‘smoothly” with little skirmishes recorded.
”I can confirm that the direct mode of primary election adopted in the 2024 Ondo state governorship primary elections held in all 203 electoral wards in all the 18 LGAs in Ondo state,” Ododo said while announcing the winner.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State appreciated President Tinubu for providing the enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of Saturday’s governorship primary in the State.
The Governor also appreciated the national and State working committee of the party for ensuring that the “best candidate emerged” as the party’s standard bearer.
The Governor also commended other contestants for their sportsmanship and urged them to join hands with him to ensure the party’s victory at the November election.
“Democracy sometimes comes with discordant tunes. This is not the time to hold grudge against one another, but for all of us to come together so as to remain in power,” he said.
The Ondo State governor won 16 of the 18 LGAs losing out on Ilaje LGA to Mr. Oke
Incidents of violence marred the election in Ifedore leading to cancellation of the results.
Cancellation of result
Meanwhile, the only female aspirant in the gubernatorial primaries, Mrs. Folakemi Omogoroye, has called for the cancellation of the poll.
Mrs Omogoroye lamented the absence of election officials and voting materials at voting centres, saying her supporters were unable to exercise their right to vote.
She threatened legal action if her demand for a fresh and transparent election was not met.
“I am not going to accept it, and now, I am calling for its cancellation and if this is not done, maybe we’ll meet in the court,” she added.
Similarly, three other candidates namely, Olugbenga Edema, Olushola Oke, and Adewale Akinterinwa have also condemned the conduct of the exercise and called for a cancellation.
Emmanuel Ukoh
