Ondo State, Nigeria — Ondo State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, cast his vote early Saturday at his polling unit in Igbo Ward 4, Obenla community, Ilaje Local Government Area. Aiyedatiwa arrived at the polling station around 8:46 a.m. and completed his vote at 8:50 a.m., expressing satisfaction with the election’s conduct.
“It’s encouraging to see the exercise going smoothly here,” Aiyedatiwa said after voting.
“I am hopeful that this is reflective of the experience across the state.”
The governor praised the organisation and transparency of the voting process, commending both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security personnel on duty. He noted the timely arrival of officials at his polling unit and urged a fair and inclusive voting experience for all citizens.
“I want to call on all officials and security personnel to ensure that every supporter and citizen is allowed to cast their vote freely and without obstruction,” Aiyedatiwa emphasized, reinforcing his commitment to a peaceful election. He also highlighted the state’s record of peaceful elections, expressing optimism that the tradition would continue.
Meanwhile, Festus Akingbaso, the Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), voiced concerns over the election’s conduct in Idanre Local Government Area. Akingbaso, who also serves as a member of the House of Representatives, accused the APC of attempting to disrupt the electoral process by bringing in thugs.
“The turnout of voters is not bad, and the security situation here is commendable,” Akingbaso said after casting his vote at Polling Unit 005, Oke Imikan.
“However, I have received reports about the presence of thugs in Idanre, allegedly linked to the APC. This is concerning and needs to be addressed immediately.”
Despite his concerns, Akingbaso praised the efforts of INEC and local security forces at his polling unit, describing the process as orderly and satisfactory. He also urged voters to remain vigilant after casting their ballots to ensure a transparent tally of the results.
“My advice to voters is that after casting their votes, they should stay behind and monitor proceedings until the final results are announced,” Akingbaso added.
“If everything goes smoothly, I am confident my party will win.”
The Ondo State governorship election has drawn significant attention, with large crowds reported at polling stations, including a notable turnout at the National Boat Jetty in Igbonla, Ilaje Local Government Area.
INEC officials have begun distributing materials across various local government areas, with early arrivals seen checking their names on voter lists at polling units. At Anglican Primary School in Irele Local Government Area, Polling Unit Officers and National Youth Service Corps members were actively preparing for the day’s voting activities.
The election is being held across all 18 local government areas in the state, with both the APC and PDP candidates expressing optimism about their chances. Aiyedatiwa’s appeal for a peaceful process and Akingbaso’s vigilance over potential disruptions have set the tone for a high-stakes election in Ondo State.
