Guber Poll: Ondo Voters Turn Out in Large Numbers to Elect New Governor

Ondo State residents head to the polls in a highly anticipated gubernatorial election to select their next governor. Find out more about the voting process and key candidates. 

Voters in Ondo State are poised to cast their ballots today, Saturday, November 16, setting the scene for a significant political showdown in the governorship election.

In this crucial election, voters will select a leader to guide the state for the upcoming four years. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved 18 candidates to participate in the contest.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is launching his initial bid to earn the people’s mandate after succeeding the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who passed away last year. His primary competitor is Agboola Ajayi from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a former deputy to Akeredolu.

INEC Commits to Seamless Execution

As the election approaches, INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu reassured the public of the commission’s preparedness to facilitate a smooth electoral process. During his speech at a peace accord signing event, he detailed the steps implemented to overcome logistical issues that have hindered past elections in the state.

“In the past four days, I have worked with our officials, security agencies, and transport service providers in Ondo State to evaluate our preparedness and refine plans for deploying more than 17,000 temporary and permanent staff. This also includes organizing a substantial amount of materials across 4,154 voting and collation points (comprising 3,933 polling units along with collation centers at 203 Wards and in all of the state’s 18 LGAs),” stated Yakubu.

READ ALSO: Simple Guide on How to Vote in Ondo Election: Easy Steps to Follow

INEC additionally affirmed the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for verifying voters and uploading results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.

Implemented Security Protocols

Security agencies have ramped up their efforts to ensure order throughout the exercise. According to Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, election materials have already been distributed and a thorough security framework has been established.

Adejobi stated that in preparation for the elections, the IGP has assigned DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi as the coordinating officer responsible for overseeing and implementing police security strategies to ensure law and order during the electoral period.

On Election Day, vehicular movements will be restricted from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., except for essential services like ambulances, accredited media personnel, and fire services.

President Tinubu Calls for Peace

In the lead-up to the election, President Bola Tinubu urged all stakeholders to uphold peace and praised INEC’s preparations for the event.

In a statement, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s appeal to political stakeholders and voters in Ondo State. As the state gears up for its off-cycle governorship election, he emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and decorum while fulfilling civic responsibilities without fear both before and after the elections.

The President conveyed optimism for a democratic process that genuinely represents the people’s wishes, stressing the significance of free and fair elections.