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Ondo Elections: 1.7 Million Voters Cast Their Vote for New Governor Amid Heightened Anxiety, Tension

Esther

Approximately 1.79 million eligible voters across the 18 local governments of Ondo State are set to elect a new governor on Saturday November 16, 2024.


This election has generated massive anxiety and tension among the populace, as reported. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared 17 political parties to participate in this gubernatorial race.


The major contenders in the election include Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The Labour Party, initially considered a strong contender, faced a setback when its candidate, Olusola Ebiseni, was disqualified by a Court of Appeal ruling.


The court's decision, delivered by Justice Adebukola Banjoko, stated, “the appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024 brought by the Labour Party against Chief Olusola Ebiseni and two others is allowed.” Consequently, INEC reinstated Olorunfemi Festus as the Labour Party’s candidate just a day before the election.


Concerns about vote-buying have surfaced, with allegations that both major parties are attempting to influence voters with cash. Hon Samuel Boniface, the Labour Party youth leader in Ondo State, claimed he was offered over N100 million by PDP stakeholders to merge the Labour Party structure into their party, which he declined, stating, “I can’t sell my conscience like that.”


Security threats also loom over the election, with reports of armed thugs attacking PDP members in Idanre Local Government Area, resulting in several hospitalizations.


In response, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed over 22,000 officers to ensure voter safety and maintain order during the election.




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