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Ondo Election: Our Victory Was Earned, Not Bought – Aiyedatiwa

Published

1 month ago

Nov 17, 2024.

INEC To Present Certificate Of Return To Aiyedatiwa Amid Protests

The newly re-elected Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has dismissed allegations of vote-buying during the governorship election, asserting that his victory was the result of hard work and collective efforts.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking as a guest on Politics Today on Channels Television, Aiyedatiwa refuted claims that agents of the All Progressives Congress (APC) engaged in vote-buying on his behalf. He stated, “For us, it is what we worked for. I didn’t pay money for votes.

I am not aware that any party member bought votes on my behalf. Ondo people know what they want, and there was no need to buy their votes.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Aiyedatiwa the winner of the governorship election after he secured victories in all 18 local government areas of the state.

According to the State Returning Officer, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, Aiyedatiwa polled 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 117,845 votes.

Addressing speculations about tensions between him and Ajayi, Aiyedatiwa clarified that there was no animosity, saying, “Both of us served under the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, and we have maintained open communication. Although we were opponents in this election, our relationship remains cordial.”

Ondo Election Aiyedatiwa

When asked if he had received congratulatory messages from his political opponents, Aiyedatiwa stated he had not, but noted it was still early for such exchanges. “The declaration by INEC happened just hours ago.

I haven’t reached out to anyone yet, but our relationships are not strained. A political party is just a platform to reach your destination,” he added.

The governor’s remarks come as the opposition PDP rejected the election results, raising questions about the integrity of the process. However, Aiyedatiwa remains firm that his victory reflects the genuine will of the people of Ondo State.