INEC Announces Aiyedatiwa As Ondo Election Winner, Promises All-Inclusive Government
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the incumbent Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as the winner of 2024 governorship election held on November 16.
Governor Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the election with 366, 781 votes out of 508, 963 total votes cast.
According to the result announced by the INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi who is also the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Governor Aiyedatiwa won all thr local government areas in Ondo State.
The final result of the election is APC: 366,781, PDP: 117,845, ZLP: 2,692, LP: 1,162, NNPP: 206.
Total valid votes: 497, 077, Rejected votes: 11,886, Total votes cast: 508,963.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Aiyedatiwa appreciated the people for the renewed mandate they have given him to continue in office the Governor of Ondo State.
He said “I am overwhelmed with gratitude and I pledge to work tirelessly to justify the trust you have reposed in me”.
He commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a free, fair, and credible election and also the security agencies across board for being very professional in their assignment and maintaining peace throughout the exercise.
He also appreciated President Tinubu, GCFR for providing exemplary leadership and also ensuring a level playing ground in the just concluded election, the National Chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdulahi Umar Ganduje, the National Campaign Council of Ondo Governorship Election led by the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for their unwavering support throughout this journey.
Governor Aiyedatiwa promised to continue to run an inclusive and participatory government, where every citizen has a voice and an opportunity to contribute to collective progress.
“We will continue to prioritize the welfare of our people, foster economic growth, and ensure that our state remains a beacon of hope and prosperity for generations to come.
“Now that the elections are over, it is time to rededicate ourselves to the service of our dear State. I therefore want to extend a hand of fellowship to the opposition parties and to invite you to collabortlate with us in the onerous task of building a better Ondo State for the overall good of our people. Let us put aside our differences and work together to create a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our communities.
“We will bring anyone we find that could add value to our administration on board, irrespective of the political party. The most important thing is the people, the State, the land, developing the State, developing the people and provide an enabling environment for the State to develop by Investors.
“I dedicate this victory, first to the Almighty God and second, to the memories of our departed leader and former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu”, he concluded.
Speaking, the National Chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdulahi Umar Ganduje commended the election process, describing it as a peaceful election so far.
He expressed confidence in the party’s ability to expand its dominance in the South-West region, adding that APC’s next focus is to reclaim Osun and Oyo States, which are currently under the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).