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Tag: Ondo State

  • Ex-President Buhari reacts over Ondo governorship election

    Ex-President Buhari reacts over Ondo governorship election

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Saturday governorship election in Ondo State which returned Gov. Lucky Aiyeditawa.

    In his reaction to the outcome of the election, the former president said the voters had spoken lucidly and loudly about the confidence they have in the party and the governor.

    Buhari said in a statement by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Sunday that the voters had expressed their wish through the ballot box, adding that this should be respected by other stakeholders.

    The former president said the election’s outcome had shown that democracy remained strong and could not be easily overturned in a country as large and diverse as Nigeria.

    He, however, challenged the governor-elect to put in place policies that engender economic growth, tame high unemployment and inflation while pursuing welfare programmes to make life better for the people.

    Buhari also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission and law enforcement agencies for their efforts in reducing observed shortcomings in previous elections. He wished Aiyeditawa and his team a successful tenure in office.

  • Ondo governorship election: PDP opens up on next move

    Ondo governorship election: PDP opens up on next move

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it will be having a more detailed review of the Saturday governorship election in Ondo State and its outcome.

    The party said this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja on Sunday.

    Ologunagba said that the party would take appropriate action in the defence of the country’s democracy.

    “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP will be having a more detailed review of the election and its outcome and take appropriate action in the defence of our democracy,” he said

    In the interim, Ologunagba dismissed the election as the worst conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    He said that the election in Ondo State fell short of all expectations and requirements of a free, fair and credible election.

    According to him, Nigeria just witnessed the height of electoral swindling, deceit, and manipulation by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “This election witnessed widespread election merchandising, monetisation and barefaced vote buying by the APC and its apparatus in government to suppress the genuine aspiration of the people,” he said.

    Ologunagba called the attention of Nigerians and the international community to what, he claimed, was witnessed in the election.

    “We demand that serious action be taken to stem such; if Nigeria’s democracy must survive, he said.

  • Ondo: What Tinubu said about Aiyedatiwa’s election victory

    Ondo: What Tinubu said about Aiyedatiwa’s election victory

    President Bola Tinubu on Sunday congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on his re-election at Saturday’s Ondo State Governorship election.

    The President also commended the peaceful conduct of the process, Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.

    The President congratulated Aiyedatiwa and other candidates of the 17 political parties for the maturity and sense of purpose demonstrated during the campaigns and the election, attributing the success of the polls to the civility in the state.

    He enjoined the political actors to allow their orderly conduct to permeate the post-election activities and processes.

    “President Tinubu believes the Ondo State election was another litmus test of the capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    “He affirmed that the electoral body justified the confidence of the people with early preparations, deployment of staff and materials, and handling of the electoral process,” said the statement.

    The President also commended INEC for the efficiency of uploading more than 98 per cent of results on the same day of the elections.

    He extended his appreciation to the Nigerian Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Youth Service Corps, the military and other security outfits for their professionalism in maintaining peace and order.

    The President urged candidates dissatisfied with the outcome of the election to explore the opportunities provided by the judicial system to seek redress on areas of conflict.

  • Aiyedatiwa reacts after winning Ondo governorship election

    Aiyedatiwa reacts after winning Ondo governorship election

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reacted after winning the Ondo State governorship election, urging opposition parties to join hands with him and develop the State together.

    Aiyedatiwa’s call came after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared him the winner of Saturday’s governorship election held in the State.

    Incumbent Governor Aiyedatiwa polled 366,781 votes, while Ajayi scored 117,835 votes across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State.

    Aiyedatiwa was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election.

    In his acceptance speech, Aiyedatiwa while promising to run an all inclusive government,  commended INEC and security agencies and all stakeholders involved in the election for a diligent job done.

    He also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for providing exemplary leadership by ensuring a level playing ground in the just concluded election

    Aiyedatiwa later dedicated his victory firstly to God and secondly to the memories of his former boss, late Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu.

    As your governor, I promise to continue to run an inclusive and participatory government, where every citizen has a voice and an opportunity to contribute to our collective progress.

    “We will continue to prioritise 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 collaborate 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,” he said.

     

    Speaking in an interview with newsmen after the official declaration of results, the APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, said the plot to take over Oyo and Osun states had started.

    Ganduje said he was happy that the people of Ondo state showed their love for the party through their votes.

    Also present at the event were some APC governors including  Babajide Sanwo Olu of Lagos State, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq of Kwara and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State.

    Others were Gov. Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Rev. Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Sen. Monday Okpebholo of Edo, Bassey Otu of Cross River and Hope Uzodinma of Imo State.

  • BREAKING: Police deploy personnel to forestall post-election crisis in Ondo

    BREAKING: Police deploy personnel to forestall post-election crisis in Ondo

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it has deployed personnel to forestall any post-election crisis after the Ondo State off-cycle governorship election held on Saturday.

    Mr Abiodun Alabi, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) made this known while addressing newsmen at the police headquarters in Akure on Sunday after the result of the election was announced by INEC.

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC), was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday.

    Eighteen political parties participated in the Ondo State off-cycle governorship election.

    Alabi said that the police had arrested three people over ballot box snatching at Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area of the state during the election.

    According to him, the deployment is to support the democratic process that binds us together.

    “In that regard, we have deployed more security operatives across the state to monitor and protect every area even after the electoral process, for the maintenance of law and other,

    “The police and other security agencies will not allow any post-election or ugly incident in any part of the state.

    “Tactical teams have also been put on red alert to forestall any act capable of causing breach of public peace,” the DIG said.

    Alabi, who said that the police would continue to stand in it’s mission to ensure it’s role of election security effectively, reaffirmed police commitment to uphold and protect democratic principles.

    “Our work does not end here; we will continue to advocate for a transparent electoral process and foster an environment where democracy can thrive.

    “In this post-election period, I urge all citizens to come together in a spirit of unity and cooperation.

    “As we forge ahead, let us embrace our shared values and work collectively towards the betterment of our nation.

    “Our  strength lies in our ability to unite, regardless of our differences, and to support the democratic process that binds us together,” he said.

  • BREAKING: INEC declares Aiyedatiwa winner of Ondo governorship election

    BREAKING: INEC declares Aiyedatiwa winner of Ondo governorship election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the winner of the governorship election conducted in Ondo State on Saturday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Aiyedatiwa, who is the incumbent Governor of Ondo, is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election.

    He polled a total of 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival in the election, Agboola Ajayi, who is the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in the election. The APC cleared all 18 local government areas.

    While the PDP polled a total of 117,845 votes, the Labour Party (LP) polled 1,162 votes and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) polled 2,692 votes.

    TNG reports the collation officer, Prof Olayemi Akinwunmi announced the result of the Ondo governorship election at the State headquarters of INEC in Akure.

    Declaring the winner of the election after collation of results, Prof Akinwunmi said: “That I am the returning officer for the 2024 Ondo State governorship election held on the 16th day of November 2024.

    “That Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC, having satisfied the requirement of the law, is hereby declared the winner of the election and returned as elected”.

  • Why Ondo election was largely successful – Observer group

    Why Ondo election was largely successful – Observer group

    The Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), an election monitoring group says adequate preparation  by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) impacted the successful conduct of the governorship election in Ondo State.

    The Board Chairperson of KDI, Dr. Abiola Afolabi, stated this on Saturday in Akure after the assessment of the election.

    “Our field observers reported significant early arrival of election materials at the polling units, ,indicating  the well-preparedness of INEC on logistical movement. We commend the relative professionalism and adequacy of policing in the Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

    “We noted that the election process has been largely peaceful, with no major incidents leading to a breakdown of law and order in the early hours,” he said.

    Afolabi, however, acknowledged that while poll workers arrived in many polling units early, there were isolated cases of late commencement of polls at certain locations.

    “Of the 275 reports received from the field, 33.09 per cent indicated late commencement Observations indicate that election officials arrived at polling stations between 6:30a.m.. and 8:00 a.m,, while voting commenced in those locations of the 33 per cent reported, between 8:45am and 10:00a.m.” he said.

    Afolabi added that KDI observed that the enforcement of restriction of movement and roadblocks by security personnel were handled professionally.

    He said the security personnel seamlessly allowed movement of essential workers in most of the local government areas.

    Afolabi said that Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) functioned very well in the election adding that the pockets of incidence reported were quickly resolved making voting to hold peacefully.

    According to him, the KDI’s Election Day Data Room received 20 reports of incidents of violence among which only that in Polling Unit 3, Ward 5 in ldanre Local Government led to disruption of the polling units.

  • BREAKING: INEC suspends collation of Ondo election results

    BREAKING: INEC suspends collation of Ondo election results

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the collation of results for the governorship election conducted in Ondo State on Saturday. This is coming after the electoral umpire had announced results collated for 15 local government areas in the State.

    Due to the distance of the remaining two LGAs, INEC suspended the collation of results to resume at 12 noon on Sunday. The collation officer, Prof Olayemi Akinwunmi announced the recess.

    As of the time of filing this report, results from Ifedore, Ondo East, Ileoluji Oke-Igbo, Okitipupa, Akure North, Akure South, Akoko North West, Akoko South East, Ondo West, Owo, Irele, Idanre, Akoko South West, Ose and Akoko North East LGAs have been announced.

    From the results collated so far the All Progressives Congress (APC) holds a significant lead of 189,019 votes, leading with 268,144 votes while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is trailing behind with 79,125 votes.

    TNG reports the Labour Party (LP) has managed to garner 679 votes from results collated from the 15 LGAs so far and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has received 2,365 votes.

    Meanwhile, as of 4:43:04 am on Sunday, 99.03% of the Ondo election results have been uploaded to the INEC results viewing portal known as IReV. It was observed on the IReV that results from 3895 polling units out of 3933 being expected have been uploaded.

  • Ondo governorship election: Reactions as results pour in

    Ondo governorship election: Reactions as results pour in

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has uploaded over 90 percent of results for the Ondo State Governorship election to its election results viewing portal known as IREV.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports a total of 3573 results of the Saturday election as of 6:29:08 pm have been uploaded to the IREV out of 3933 results being expected from the 18 local government areas in the State.

    Ondo 2024: Democracy is taking strong footing in Nigeria – Bajowa

    Meanwhile, Retired Maj.-Gen. Olu Bajowa has said that the large turnout of voters and peaceful conduct of the Ondo State governorship election indicated that democracy was gradually taking a strong footing in Nigeria. The former Quartermaster General, Nigerian Army, stated this in an interview shortly after casting his vote at Unit 6, Ward 1, Igbotako, Okitipupa LGA on Saturday.

    Bajowa, the Jagunmolu of Ikaleland, commended the peaceful conduct of the election, which he described as “impressive with large turnout of voters without any records of snatching of ballot boxes and hooliganism anywhere.” He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for the peaceful conduct of the election in the state.

    “This election is peaceful and impressive because there is no records of snatching of ballot boxes and no rancour whatsoever. The turnout of the voters was massive with their orderliness, punctuality of INEC staff and the security, which is good too

    “People now understand what democracy is all about and understand their power to exercise their civic responsibility to elect good government. And with what I saw today, I can say that democracy is taking a strong footing in Nigeria,” Bajowa said.

    He, however, said that the outcome of the election must be accepted by all parties, the winner and the losers in the election, saying that there would always be another time.

    “In a contest there is always a winner and a loser, both of them must accept the outcome of the election. The winner must be magnanimous in victory and the loser must understand that there is always another time,” Bajowa added.

    Ondo 2024: Election is free, fair, credible – Jimoh Ibrahim

    Similarly, Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim, (APC- Ondo South) has  described the conduct of the Ondo State governorship election as free, fair and credible. Ibrahim, addressed journalists on Saturday at Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area, shortly after he performed his civic rights.

    Ibrahim cast his vote at Idogun unit 2, Igbotako Ward 2 in Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State. Ibrahim, a business mogul also re-emphasised his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR and the National Chairman of the Party, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje.

    According to him, I can confidently tell you that I am satisfied with the conduct of this election because it is free, fair, credible and without violence.

    “I voted for my party as a loyal member under President Bola Tinubu and our respected National party chairman, Ganduje and I can say that definitely, APC will win this election,” Sen. Ibrahim said.

    Ondo 2024: Odu, Faduyile, laud INEC, security agents for peaceful election

    Also, some All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains have lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for the peaceful conduct of Ondo State governorship election.

    The chieftains, who spoke in a separate interview on Saturday after casting their votes, also commended the punctuality and dedication of INEC adhoc staff, security personnels as well as turnout of voters in polling units. The chieftains also commended the large turnout of youths who came out massively to perform their civic responsibilities.

    According to them, youths in the state seem now to better appreciate the need for their participation in electioneering process better than before. They also showed optimism that the outcome of the election would favour their party and its candidate, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    Princess Oladunni Odu, a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), said that INEC and security agencies must be commended for the peaceful conduct of the the election. Odu, an APC governirship aspirant, who cast her vote at Unit 1, Ward 2, Idepe-Okitipupa also commended INEC staff and the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their punctuality and dedication to duty.

    “This election was peaceful. I think we must give it to INEC and security agencies for conducting a peaceful election. Well, the turnout was low compared to the past ones but we can not judge because the day is still young now, I believe most of them will still show up later,” Odu said.

    Aso, Prof. Adedayo Faduyile, a former Special Adviser on Health to the late Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, said that the conduct of the election was impressive and peaceful. Faduyile, who voted at Unit 5, Ward 6, Ikoya Igbisin-Oloto, Okitipupa, added that he was impressed with the turnout of the youths.

    “The election was peaceful enough, although the turnout was low, but I am impressed with the large turnout of youths. It seems they now understand the efficacy and power of their votes for good governance,” Faduyile said.

    Also, Mr Chris Aiyebusiwa, representing Okitipupa Constituency one at the Ondo State House of Assembly, who cast his vote at Unit 11, Ward 1, Ilutitun, Okitipupa LGA, also commended INEC and security agencies for credible election.

    Aiyebusiwa also lauded the orderliness of voters, expressing confidence that the APC would cost to victory after the sorting and collation of results.

    Ondo election: Traditional rulers commend INEC, security

    Two first class traditional rulers in Akoko area of Ondo State have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for their conduct in the ongoing governorship election in the state.

    The two kings also urged political parties and their supporters to see the outcome of the election as a will of God and accept the outcome when it is finally announced by the electoral body.

    Speaking at his palace at Ikare, Oba Adeleke Adedoyin, Owa-Ale of Ikare-Akoko, said the people of Ondo state, as peace lovers, must shun any form of violence that could arise from the poll.

    According to him, the election has been peaceful, so far, and people are casting their votes without any issue.

    “Election should not be a do or die affair. No matter what, it is, just one person will be declared winner. I will advise the candidates and their supporters to accept the outcome of the election.

    “There should not be any form of rancour and violence that will disturb the peace in the state, because we are all one. And if for any reason, one party is not satisfy with the outcome of the poll, such party should seek legal redress instead of  causing problems,” he said.

    Also speaking with NAN, Oba Issa Olanipekun IV, Saki of Arigidi-Akoko, in  Akoko NorthWest Local Government Area, commended INEC officials and security agencies for a peaceful election in his domain and beyond

    He also called on political supporters not to allow politicians to use them for their own selfish interest.

    “So far, there is peace in Arigidi Akoko and people are voting for candidates of their choice. Nobody is harassing anybody . As far as I am concerned the election is peaceful.

    “By the grace of God,  there will not be any problem because we had a meeting with INEC in Akure and we have warned our subjects to stay away from trouble.

    “So, I am very sure that there will be no chaos. The era of political crisis when we had ‘operation wet e” is gone,” he said.

  • Heavy security witnessed in Ondo governorship election

    Heavy security witnessed in Ondo governorship election

    The Ondo State Governorship election started on Saturday with heavy security presence consisting of personnel of the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) observed at strategic points across the state.

    Armed security personnel were observed at strategic points such as the entrance into Akure, the state capital, major towns, the local governments secretariats  as well as on major roads in the state.

    News reporters covering the election observed restriction of human and vehicular movements was relatively complied to in most parts of the state. Armed police personnel were seen at  the Mobil roundabout at Fiwasaye, Akure North LG while security teams in patrol vehicles were stationed at strategic points in Akure.

    Also, major roads linking  the headquarters of Akoko North-East, Ikare-Akoko were blocked with heavy security agents. Police, Nigeria Correction Service officials, NSCDC, and FRSC personnel were also seen at the various polling units. Security personnel  comprising soldiers, police, NSCDC were also observed at strategic points in Okitipupa, Okitipupa LG.

    Ondo 2024: Poll records early arrival of INEC officials, materials

    Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and election materials arrived early in most Polling Units in Akoko North-East and Akoko North-West Local Government Areas of Ondo State.

    The major roads to the headquarters of Akoko North-East, Ikare-Akoko were blocked by the security agents. Also electorate were seen trooping out to check their names at their various polling Units as at 7:00am

    As early as 6:50 am, INEC staff at Idumado Unit 4 Ward 2, Kiribo in Ese-Odo Local Government Area were on ground. At about 7:30am at R.C.M School Unit 5, Ward 2, Kiribo, the polling booth was already set while the electorate were checking for their names on the voters register with the presence of security personnel.

    Also, at about 7.00am, INEC staff were at Units 5 and 13, Ward 11, and Units 16 and 17, Ward 13, Okitipupa Local Government Area pasting the names of registered voters. Voters also have started coming out as few of them were seen at the polling Units checking the voters register for their names.

    At Fiwasaye Polling Unit 36, Ward 5, Akure South Local Government Area, INEC officials and materials arrived at about 7:00am. At Polling Unit 17, Ward 4, Ijapo Estate, Akure South Local Government Area, the INEC officials were seen arranging tables and chairs with the presence of security agents.

    Similar situation was at Polling Unit 19, Ward 4 with the INEC officials set for the election. It was observed that some private vehicles and motorcycles were seen plying the Mobil Road and Oba Adesida Road.

    At polling Unit 7, Olokuta Junction, Ward 1, as at 8:20am the unit was yet to be arranged. The Presiding Officer, Omolola Adepoju said the delay was caused by a change in the venue.