Breaking News: Aiyedatiwa Takes Early Lead as INEC Postpones Ondo Election Result Collation
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed the collation of results for the Ondo State governorship election, rescheduling the process from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Sunday.
The announcement was made by the Returning Officer, Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja. He explained that the delay was necessary to ensure the arrival of results from the remaining five local government areas: Akure North, Okitipupa, Odigbo, Ilaje, and Ese-Odo.
“We have five more local governments to collate, but we are taking a break until noon to receive results,” Prof. Akinwunmi stated during his announcement.
Aiyedatiwa in the Lead
With results from 13 of the 18 local government areas already announced, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a commanding lead. He has secured 259,851 votes, far ahead of his closest challenger, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who has garnered 81,031 votes.
While Aiyedatiwa’s lead appears significant, the outcome in the remaining local government areas will determine the final result.
High Stakes for Ondo
The Ondo governorship race has been a high-stakes contest, with key political figures, including Aiyedatiwa, Agboola Ajayi, and former governor Olusegun Mimiko, playing pivotal roles in shaping the state’s political landscape.
INEC has assured voters and stakeholders of a transparent process, emphasizing its commitment to reflecting the will of the people.
The resumption of collation at noon is expected to bring final clarity to the closely watched #OndoDecides2024 election. Stay tuned to Lagos Reporters for real-time updates.