Ondo Election: Voters Prepare for a Historic Choice as Over 1.7 Million Head to the Polls

Ondo State is set for a historic election today, with over 1.7 million registered voters expected to cast their ballots to elect a new governor who will lead the state for the next four years. The election is particularly significant as it follows the passing of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and his succession by Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. This election also marks a political rivalry between Aiyedatiwa and Agboola Ajayi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, both of whom served as deputies under Akeredolu.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is fully prepared for the exercise, deploying 4,002 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices across 3,933 polling units. A further 812 BVAS units are on standby in case of technical difficulties. INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, assured that sensitive election materials were delivered to Registration Area Centres (RACs) on Thursday, ensuring the smooth deployment of election materials.

In a statement issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he called for peaceful elections, urging stakeholders to uphold the sanctity of the democratic process. Tinubu emphasized that the election must reflect the will of the people, and he commended the preparedness of security agencies to ensure the smooth conduct of the election. The Inspector-General of Police and Chief of Defence Staff have both assured the public of professionalism in the security forces’ conduct.

The election is seen as a two-horse race between the APC’s Lucky Aiyedatiwa and PDP’s Agboola Ajayi. The rivalry between the two candidates has deep political roots, as both previously served as deputies to the late Governor Akeredolu. Aiyedatiwa, who succeeded Akeredolu after his death, has inherited a significant political legacy in the state. Meanwhile, Ajayi, who served during Akeredolu’s first term, has garnered support from Akeredolu’s former allies.

Ondo’s election dynamics are shaped by its three senatorial districts: Ondo North, Ondo Central, and Ondo South. Ondo North, traditionally APC-leaning, is expected to give Aiyedatiwa a significant advantage, bolstered by influential political figures such as Senator Jide Ipinsagba and Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Ondo Central, which includes Akure South, the state capital, will see a closely contested race.

Akure South, with its stronghold among elites and political appointees, is expected to favour the APC, though Idanre, the home of PDP’s deputy governorship candidate, will be fiercely contested. Ondo South will see a head-to-head battle between the two major candidates, Aiyedatiwa from Ilaje and Ajayi from Ese Odo.

Security measures have been ramped up for the election, with over 43,000 personnel deployed across the state. The Nigeria Police Force is taking the lead with 34,657 officers, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) contributes 6,000 officers. The Nigerian Navy has mobilized gunboats to safeguard the riverine areas, and the military is on standby for backup. Additionally, the Inspector-General of Police has enforced a restriction on vehicular movement from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day, with exceptions for essential services and accredited media personnel.

Election observers have raised concerns about potential challenges, including voter apathy and issues like vote-buying and misinformation. The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has deployed monitors to track and counter misinformation. Yiaga Africa has also expressed concerns about vote-buying, urging security agencies to strictly enforce the law. The heightened awareness around electoral malpractice has added tension to the race, with many hoping for a smooth process despite the challenges.

As voters head to the polls, the major political parties, the APC and PDP, remain confident of victory. APC spokesperson Steve Otaloro has denied any accusations of electoral manipulation, asserting that the party is committed to a free and fair process. Meanwhile, PDP spokesperson Kennedy Peretei is optimistic about Agboola Ajayi’s chances, citing massive support for the opposition.

In the final days leading up to the election, the atmosphere in Ondo has been charged with anticipation. Markets have been bustling with activity, as residents stock up on essential items in preparation for potential unrest post-election. The rush is also fueled by concerns about the economic situation, with many feeling their votes might not translate into real change.