The Sunshine State, Ondo State, is gearing up for what promises to be another fierce and highly contested governorship election on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
As one of the eight states in Nigeria that holds off-cycle elections, Ondo’s political climate is ripe for a showdown, with various candidates positioning themselves to lead the state into its next phase of development.
With the election only two days away, the people of Ondo are hopeful that the poll will be a catalyst for the much-needed transformation of the state, freeing them from economic hardship, social injustice, and infrastructural decay.
The Contestants
The upcoming election has attracted candidates from a broad spectrum of political parties, with 18 parties fielding candidates.
The final list, published by the Independent National Electoral Commission on June 14, 2024, includes a range of political heavyweights and seasoned politicians who are all vying for the top job in the state.
At the forefront of the race is the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who has been serving as governor since the death of his principal, Rotimi Akeredolu, in December 2023.
Aiyedatiwa, who stepped into the role constitutionally to complete the tenure, has positioned himself as the candidate for continuity, citing his administration’s achievements over the last 10 months as justification for his bid for re-election. His main rival is Agboola Ajayi, a former deputy governor of the state and now the candidate for the opposition People’s Democratic Party.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s Strengths and Challenges
Aiyedatiwa’s strengths in this race are numerous. As the incumbent, he enjoys the power of incumbency, which has historically been a strong asset in Nigerian elections. He also has the backing of the federal government, which could be crucial in securing logistical support and other resources during the election.
Additionally, Aiyedatiwa’s choice of Olayide Owolabi Adelami as his deputy, a former Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly from the same local government as late Governor Akeredolu, could help him consolidate votes from that region.
Moreover, Aiyedatiwa has highlighted his administration’s focus on infrastructural development, including the construction of rural roads and city-based roads, as well as investments in education, youth development, and health. His consistent efforts to engage with the state’s workforce, ensuring prompt payment of salaries and job creation, have also earned him goodwill among civil servants and the general populace.
However, Aiyedatiwa faces significant challenges. Many Ondo residents associate the All Progressives Congress, the ruling party at the federal level, with the current economic difficulties that have plagued Nigeria, including high inflation and unemployment. This could damage his campaign, as voters may link his candidacy to the federal government’s economic woes. Additionally, Aiyedatiwa shares the same senatorial zone as his main rival, Agboola Ajayi, which could divide votes in the region, weakening his chances of securing a commanding victory.
Agboola Ajayi’s Strengths and Weaknesses
On the other hand, Agboola Ajayi is widely regarded as a grassroots politician with a solid understanding of the state’s political landscape. Having served as a councilor, local government chairman, and House of Representatives member before becoming deputy governor under Akeredolu, Ajayi is no stranger to the intricacies of Ondo’s governance. His deep ties to the people of the state, especially in rural areas, position him as a candidate who understands the challenges they face.
Ajayi’s political strength was clearly demonstrated during the PDP primary, where he triumphed with an impressive 264 votes, despite not having the backing of key party figures. His political weight, combined with his extensive grassroots support, gives him a strong foundation to mount a serious challenge.
Ajayi has also unveiled an ambitious seven-point agenda for the state, focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and education. His plan includes enhancing the capacity of security agencies, improving food production, providing free education at the primary and junior secondary levels, and building primary health centers across the state. His proposals for community policing and rural development have resonated with many voters, especially in areas plagued by insecurity and poor infrastructure.
Nevertheless, Ajayi is not without his challenges. His relationship with the PDP remains complicated, and the party’s internal strife could affect his chances at the polls. Additionally, some voters may question whether Ajayi’s time in government, both as deputy governor and in other positions, has been marked by tangible achievements for the state.
The Electoral Landscape
While Aiyedatiwa and Ajayi are the primary contenders, other candidates from smaller parties such as Action Alliance, African Action Congress, and Accord Party also aim to influence the race. These candidates have focused their campaigns on local issues and have worked to carve out a niche among Ondo’s electorate, but it’s unlikely that any of them will pose a serious challenge to the two front-runners.
As the election draws closer, INEC has ramped up its preparations, with over 2 million registered voters expected to cast their ballots on November 16. INEC Chairman, Yakubu Mahmood, has assured the public that adequate security measures are in place, with over 3,500 observers set to monitor the election. The commission’s emphasis on transparency and security will be crucial in ensuring a free and fair poll.
The battle for the governorship seat in Ondo is shaping up to be a tightly contested one. With both Aiyedatiwa and Ajayi bringing substantial political capital, their rivalry is likely to dominate the election, although the outcome could be influenced by a variety of factors, including party affiliation, financial resources, and grassroots mobilization.
For the people of Ondo, the hope remains that the next governor will usher in the transformation that the state desperately needs to overcome its challenges and reach its full potential.
