By Precious Oluwole

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the incumbent Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, as the winner of the 2024 governorship election held on November 16.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured a decisive victory with 366,781 votes out of the total 508,963 votes cast.

Announcing the results, INEC Returning Officer Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi, who also serves as the Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja, confirmed that Aiyedatiwa triumphed in all the local government areas of Ondo State.

Final Results:

APC: 366,781 votes

PDP: 117,845 votes

ZLP: 2,692 votes

LP: 1,162 votes

NNPP: 206 votes

Total valid votes: 497,077

Rejected votes: 11,886

Total votes cast: 508,963

In his acceptance speech, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his gratitude to the people of Ondo State for renewing his mandate, pledging to work diligently to justify the trust placed in him.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and I pledge to work tirelessly to fulfill the trust you have reposed in me,” Aiyedatiwa said.

He praised INEC for conducting a credible election and commended the security agencies for maintaining peace throughout the process. The governor also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu, APC National Chairman Alhaji Abdulahi Umar Ganduje, and the National Campaign Council led by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Aiyedatiwa promised to lead an inclusive government, emphasizing that every citizen will have a voice and a role in the development of Ondo State. He reiterated his commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the people, fostering economic growth, and creating opportunities for investors.

“Now that the elections are over, it is time to rededicate ourselves to serving our state. I extend a hand of fellowship to the opposition parties and invite them to collaborate with us in building a better Ondo State,” he stated. “We will welcome anyone who can add value to our administration, regardless of political affiliation. Our focus remains on the people, the state, and creating an environment for sustainable development.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa concluded by dedicating his victory to God and in memory of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.

In his remarks, APC National Chairman Alhaji Abdulahi Umar Ganduje lauded the peaceful conduct of the election, expressing confidence in the party’s continued dominance in the South-West. He noted that the party’s next goal is to reclaim Osun and Oyo States from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).