ONDO GUBER ELECTION: DSS arrests suspected vote-buyer with bags of cash

Outcome of election

A suspected vote-buyer in the Ondo governorship race has been taken into custody by Department of State Services (DSS) officials on the day of election.

According to source, the suspect was apprehended with two bags of cash.

These bags of cash are suspected to have been used to entice people to cast ballots.

The suspect was taken into custody at ward 4, polling unit 007, located outside St. Stephen’s primary school in Akure, Ondo state at about 9 A. M.

On Saturday morning, November 16, 2024, the election got underway with a strong security presence.

Members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the police were stationed at key locations throughout the state.

Armed security guards were spotted at key locations, including the state capital Akure’s entry.

Other important towns, the secretariats of local governments, and the state’s main routes also witnessed the presence of security personnel.

According to report, restrictions on person and vehicle mobility were comparatively adhered to, in most regions of the state.

Security teams in patrol cars were reportedly positioned at key locations throughout Akure.

Armed police officers were observed at the Mobil roundabout in Fiwasaye, Akure North local government.

Additionally, heavy security personnel blocked important highways that connected Akoko North-East headquarters, Ikare, and Akoko.

Personnel from the Nigeria Correction Service, NSCDC, FRSC, and police were also observed at the different voting stations.

Security guards consisting of NSCDC, police, and soldiers were also seen at key locations in Okitipupa, Okitipupa local government.

Outcome of election

The Ondo State gubernatorial election has come to a close.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been declared the winner.

He secured a total of 366,781 votes, defeating his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Aiyedatiwa’s victory is seen as a significant win for the APC, which has been the ruling party in Ondo State.

The election was a highly contested one, with 17 political parties participating.

However, analysts had predicted that it would be a two-horse race between Aiyedatiwa and Ajayi.

The candidates’ backgrounds and experience played a significant role in the election.

Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent governor, has a strong track record in politics, having served as federal commissioner representing Ondo state on the Board of Niger Delta Development Commission.

Ajayi, on the other hand, has a law degree and has served as chairman of Ese-Odo Local Government Area and member of the House of Representatives.

The election’s outcome is also attributed to the political dynamics in the state.

The Akeredolu political dynasty’s influence and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’s, support were seen as crucial factors, source says.

However, Wike’s loyalty was divided between his party, the PDP, and the APC, which he currently serves under.

Other Candidates

– Ayodele Festus Olorunfemi (Labour Party) – a unionist with a strong background in labor movements.
– Akingboye Benson Bamidele (Social Democratic Party) – a philanthropist with a focus on sustainable development.

The election’s outcome is a testament to the complex political landscape in Ondo State.

As the state moves forward, it will be interesting to see how Aiyedatiwa’s administration addresses the pressing issues facing the state.

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