Ondo Guber 2024: Gov Aiyedatiwa optimistic, As Opposition kicks

Ondo State capital roads were completely empty as the electorate went to their respective polling units to cast their votes to elect their governor in the state.
The security personnel were stationed every corner of the state to maintain law and order during and after the gubernatorial election as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the president urged all political stakeholders and the electorate to uphold peace and decorum and fulfil their civic responsibilities without fear before or after the poll. The president acknowledged that the deployment of security men was to maintain law and order, while noting the assurances from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa that the personnel will act professionally and adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act to ensure a credible electoral process.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governorship candidate of the All-Progressives Congress, APC, cast his vote around 9am at Ugbo Ward 4, Obenla community in Ilaje LGA area of the state. He told journalists at his polling unit that the timely arrival of both officials and materials at his polling unit must be acknowledged and that the process was both orderly and transparent, even as he expressed confidence in the outcome, expressing the belief that his achievements in the past 10 months and commitment to the people of Ondo State would resonate with voters. He hailed the organisation and efficiency of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC at the polling station.
Agboola Ajayi, governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, who cast his vote around 11 a.m., at Unit 4, Ward 2 Idumado in Kiribo. Ese-Odo Local Government Area was not as optimistic as the governor. Rather, has expressed displeasure as it took more than 10 minutes for the INEC BVAS to capture him.
Ajayi said “The system is not perfect and there are lots of complaints here and there. If INEC cannot successfully organise an election in just one state, then you must know that we are running into anarchy.
“And we have said it severally that we don’t trust Barr. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, that this woman cannot be fair. The system is compromised, and we have series of calls made by everybody. People are complaining of vote buying, BVAS problem. It is a very shameful exercise.”
Olayide Adelami, Ondo State Deputy Governor and running mate of Aiyedatiwa after casting his vote at his Unit 16, Ward 3, Igboroko 2 in Owo Local Government area urged people of Owo to come out in good number to exercise their civic responsibilities.
Adelami said, “Your vote is your power. I urge you all to come out to vote; in so doing, you will be contributing to the promotion of good governance and a greater Ondo State”
Olu Bajowa, Retired Major-General, after casting his vote at Unit 6, Ward 1, Igbotako, Okitipupa LGA said large turnout in the election and peaceful conduct indicated that our democracy is gradually taking a strong footing in Nigeria.
The general, who is also the Jagunmolu of Ikaleland, said “This election is peaceful and impressive because there is no records of snatching of ballot boxes and no rancour whatsoever.
“The turnout of the voters was massive with their orderliness, punctuality of INEC staff and the security, which is good too.”
Bajowa believes that the conduct of the election in Ondo state sends a soothing message about the development of democracy in Nigeria. He said, “People now understand what democracy is all about and understand their power to exercise their civic responsibility to elect good government.
“And with what I saw today, I can say that democracy is taking a strong footing in Nigeria.”