Austin Manekator
Photo: Gov Aiyedatiwa, Ajayi and Ayodele
Today is the turn of the Sunshine State, in one of Nigeria’s off-circle elections. In September the people of Edo State went to the polls and elected Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressive Congress, in one of the most contentious elections in the state.
Today, the people of Ondo will decide between the incumbent, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ajayi Agboola, Olorunfemi Ayodele and Akingboy Benson of the All Progressive Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party and Social Democratic Party, respectively, and several other.
With youths (18–35 years) forming 35.41% of registered voters and middle-aged individuals (36–49 years) contributing an additional 35.17%, these groups collectively represent over 70% of Ondo State’s electorate. Out of the 2,053,061 registered voters, a significant 1,757,205 individuals collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), representing 85.6% of eligible voters who are ready to participate in the election.
Hopefully, the turnout for the 2024 elections will be better than the disappointing results of 2020. In the last gubernatorial election, despite 1,822,346 registered voters, only 595,213 voters were accredited on election day, and the total votes cast was 591,193. This means only about 32.4% of registered voters showed up to participate.
Rotimi Akeredolu of the APC emerged victorious with 292,830 votes, while his closest rival, Eyitayo Jegede of the PDP, secured 195,791 votes. The outcome demonstrated that a small percentage of the electorate ultimately determined the state’s leadership.
With a high PVC collection rate and increased voter education, there is hope for greater turnout this time around, ensuring that the next governor is truly representative of the will of the majority.
