The Ondo governorship election in 2024 was a major political event in Ondo State, located in the southwestern region of Nigeria. Held on 16 November 2024 as part of Nigeria’s round of state-level polls, this election determined who would lead the state for the next four-year term. With over two million registered voters expected to take part, the governorship race attracted intense attention from residents, political parties, civil society groups, and national observers. The election was conducted under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with key issues such as governance, economic development, agriculture, and public services shaping the campaign dialogue. When the votes were counted and results declared, one candidate emerged with a decisive victory, though legal challenges followed as rival parties sought to contest the outcome in court. The Ondo 2024 governorship election not only marked a significant democratic exercise in the state but also reflected broader political dynamics within Nigeria’s evolving electoral landscape.
Context and Background
The Ondo governorship election of 2024 followed the death of the former governor, prompting the incumbent, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to run for a full term. Aiyedatiwa initially became governor after the passing of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in late 2023, and his candidacy represented continuity of the APC leadership in the state. With the general mood in the state focused on development, security, and economic growth, voters looked to candidates who could offer stable governance and effective leadership in the years ahead.
Main Candidates and Campaigns
A number of candidates contested the governorship, with the two most prominent figures being Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC and Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Aiyedatiwa campaigned on his record and promised to build upon ongoing development projects, while Ajayi focused on inclusive growth, agricultural transformation, and creating opportunities for youth, citing the state’s vast agricultural potential as an avenue for progress. Several other candidates emerged from smaller parties, though three of them ultimately withdrew and publicly endorsed Aiyedatiwa, consolidating support for the incumbent.
All Progressives Congress (APC)
Lucky Aiyedatiwa, representing the APC, led a campaign that emphasized continuity, stability, and strengthening public infrastructure. As the sitting governor at the time of the election, Aiyedatiwa presented his administration’s achievements, including improvements in education, healthcare, and road networks, as evidence of his leadership capabilities. Support from within his party and endorsements from other candidates bolstered his position ahead of election day.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
The PDP candidate, Agboola Ajayi, brought a focus on economic transformation, particularly in the agricultural sector. Ajayi pledged to make farming more attractive as a business and to expand economic opportunities across the state. While his platform presented alternative policy priorities to the ruling party, he remained significantly behind the front-runner in the final vote count.
Election Day and Participation
The governorship election took place on 16 November 2024, with INEC reporting more than two million registered voters across all 18 local government areas of Ondo State. Voters turned out to cast their ballots, participating in what was largely regarded as a peaceful and orderly process. Security agencies, including those focused on preventing malpractice, were active at polling units to maintain order and deter any attempts at vote buying or intimidation.
Voter Registration and Turnout
INEC reported that approximately 2.053 million voters had registered and collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) prior to election day, indicating widespread engagement and participation from the electorate. Both men and women, as well as youth and middle-aged voters, were part of the registered voter base, reflecting a balance in demographic representation at the polls.
Results and Outcome
When the votes were tallied and officially declared by INEC, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC won a convincing victory with 366,781 votes, representing about 72 percent of total votes cast. His closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the PDP, received 117,845 votes, placing a distant second. Aiyedatiwa’s victory was notable for its margin and for winning in all 18 local government areas of the state. Fifteen other candidates also competed in the election, but none mounted a significant challenge to the two front-runners.
Official Vote Breakdown
- Lucky Aiyedatiwa (APC) 366,781 votes (approximately 72.06%)
- Agboola Ajayi (PDP) 117,845 votes (approximately 23.15%)
- Other candidates remainder of votes
This clear margin highlighted the electorate’s preference for continuity and the APC’s strong hold in the state at that time.
Legal Challenges and Judicial Review
Following the election, several legal challenges emerged, with the PDP and its candidate Agboola Ajayi filing petitions to contest the election results. The petitions alleged irregularities and other issues in the process, focusing on the eligibility of certain candidates and compliance with electoral law. However, these challenges were dismissed at various judicial levels. Initial petitions at the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal were unsuccessful, upholding Aiyedatiwa’s victory. Subsequent appeals reached the Supreme Court, where the challenges were ultimately dismissed, cementing the election results and affirming the governor’s mandate.
Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court upheld Aiyedatiwa’s election, dismissing appeals from the PDP and other parties on grounds that they lacked merit, were statute-barred, or lacked proper legal standing. With the highest court’s ruling, the legal disputes over the 2024 Ondo governorship election came to a close, and the governor’s victory was fully affirmed.
Reactions and Impact
The outcome and subsequent judicial decisions on the 2024 Ondo governorship election generated significant reaction among political stakeholders and residents. Supporters of the APC celebrated the confirmation of the governor’s mandate, seeing it as an endorsement of the party’s policies and leadership. Some opposition figures acknowledged the court’s final ruling, emphasizing the importance of stability and peaceful acceptance of electoral decisions. Meanwhile, various civil society groups observed the election process and its aftermath as a reflection of Nigeria’s democratic maturity, underscoring the role of institutions in resolving electoral disputes.
Future Implications
With the Supreme Court affirming the results, the focus shifted to governance, with the new administration expected to continue addressing key issues such as economic development, public infrastructure, security, and social services. The election also served as a benchmark for future political contests in the state, setting expectations for transparency, voter engagement, and legal accountability in subsequent elections.
The 2024 Ondo governorship election was a pivotal moment in the state’s political history. It showcased active voter participation, robust competition between major political parties, and the significance of the judicial process in affirming electoral outcomes. Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s victory under the APC banner was confirmed by multiple courts, including the Supreme Court, solidifying his mandate and providing a clear path forward for governance in Ondo State. As political dynamics continue to evolve, the election’s lessons on democratic engagement, legal scrutiny, and institutional integrity remain central to shaping future state elections in Nigeria.