On November 14, 2024, a significant political rally took place in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, as top officials from the All Progressives Congress (APC) converged to rally support for their candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, ahead of the gubernatorial election scheduled for Saturday. The gathering, described as a ‘mega’ rally, was held at the MKO Abiola Democracy Park and featured notable figures including Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Chairman of the APC Abdullahi Ganduje, and several governors from various states.
The APC leaders called on the electorate to come out in droves to vote for Aiyedatiwa, emphasizing the importance of their participation in shaping the future governance of Ondo State. During the rally, Ganduje officially presented the party’s flag to Aiyedatiwa and his running mate, Dr. Olayide Adelami, marking a symbolic moment of unity and commitment from the party.
In his address, Vice President Shettima urged the people of Ondo to reflect on the legacies of past governors such as Adekunle Ajasin, Adebayo Adefarati, and Rotimi Akeredolu, implying that their values aligned more closely with those of the APC than with opposition parties, which he labeled as “reactionary elements.” Shettima emphasized that the upcoming election provided an opportunity for the electorate to express their support for Aiyedatiwa, framing their votes as a powerful voice for change and progress.
Ganduje echoed this sentiment, highlighting Aiyedatiwa’s qualifications and the significance of continuity in governance. He encouraged the people to vote for sustained development and infrastructure improvements, promising that their votes would contribute to a united South West geopolitical zone. He expressed optimism, urging voters to aim for a complete victory for the APC in the state.
Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also addressed the crowd, invoking the names of past leaders who, he argued, would have supported the APC in the current political climate. He reiterated the need for voters to avoid parties that could jeopardize the state’s progress, likening the current political scenario to the achievements seen in Lagos State due to consistent governance.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who chairs the Ondo APC Campaign Planning Committee, cautioned supporters to maintain peace during the election process, emphasizing that they should focus on casting their votes rather than engaging in confrontations. He highlighted that the election was critical for the APC and urged everyone to vote calmly and decisively for Aiyedatiwa.
In a show of confidence, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo declared that the APC expected a sweeping victory across all 18 local government areas of the state, promising that Aiyedatiwa would achieve a historic 18-0 win. This assertive claim was met with skepticism from the opposition.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo State’s main opposition, responded strongly to the APC’s claims, rejecting the characterization of their party as “reactionary.” PDP Publicity Secretary Kennedy Peretei argued that the APC was, in fact, exemplifying reactionary politics, and he called on the electorate to remember the successes of the PDP during its time in power.
Amidst the political fervor, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stood firm on its decision to retain the Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, in her role for the upcoming election despite calls for her redeployment from the PDP. INEC officials defended her neutrality, stating that past accusations against her lacked substantiation.
As preparations for the election ramped up, Babalola confirmed that the distribution of sensitive electoral materials had commenced, emphasizing transparency in the process. She assured stakeholders that the materials were secure and untainted, aimed at fostering confidence in a fair election.
Meanwhile, the PDP planned to hold its final campaign rally, which was expected to feature key figures including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and other prominent party leaders. This rally was anticipated to be a significant counterpoint to the APC’s previous events.
In terms of security, the Nigeria Police Force began deploying personnel across Ondo State to ensure a peaceful electoral process, with the Inspector General of Police announcing a substantial presence of officers to maintain order.
However, tensions flared in Idanre, where clashes between suspected political thugs from the APC and PDP resulted in injuries. The police indicated that investigations were underway to address the violence, underscoring the need for a peaceful electoral atmosphere.
Additionally, Gbenga Edema, the New Nigeria People’s Party candidate, took legal action to challenge Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy, seeking a court ruling on the matter ahead of the election.
As the election date approaches, the political landscape in Ondo State remains charged, with both major parties vying for control and the electorate positioned to make a decisive choice about their governance.
