- As the 2024 governorship election in Ondo State nears, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed the final list of candidates
- The final list revealed that 17 political parties have fielded 17 male gubernatorial candidates, with no female candidates, for the race scheduled on November 16
- TheRadar compiled the major candidates as the state prepares to choose its next leader
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the final list of candidates as the 2024 Ondo State governorship election approaches.
According to the INEC, there are 17 political parties and an equal number of gubernatorial candidates, all male, with no female.
The election, which is scheduled to hold on Saturday 16th November 2024 will determine the next leader who will take the Sunshine of the nation to the next level.
As the race heats up with notable frontrunners, including the incumbent governor of the state, TheRadar has compiled a list of the leading candidates.
Who is going to be the next governor of Ondo State?
See the likely people here:
Lucky Aiyedatiwa (59) - APC
Following the death of Rotimi Akeredolu, Lucky Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as the Ondo State governor on December 27, 2023. By law, Aiyedatiwa will serve out the remainder of the term originally held by Akeredolu, concluding in February 2025.
Luckily for Lucky, he is eligible to participate in the November 16 governorship election. He has repeatedly stated that his late predecessor, Akeredolu, had expressed a desire for him to succeed in the role.
“Distinguished citizens and party faithfuls, I must re-echo what our late leader had always wished for in his lifetime.
“It was his wish that I succeed him, not in death though, as the next Governor of the state. He was a courageous and visionary leader who had no time for pretense and so he expressed this wish at different fora in both public and private.
“All was with one conviction and implicit confidence in me to carry on the torch of accelerated development which he lit first in 2017 and later renewed under a joint ticket for both of us in the 2021 gubernatorial election,” Aiyedatiwa added.
Agboola Ajayi (55) - PDP
Mr Agboola Ajayi, who will represent the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, revealed that his candidacy is inspired by his goal to achieve economic transformation and foster inclusive, sustainable growth for the state.
Ajayi, a former deputy governor and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) candidate in the 2020 governorship election, made this statement during a briefing with newsmen at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Akure, ahead of his campaign tour across the state’s 18 council areas.
The former House of Representatives Member, who emphasised that economic growth is crucial for alleviating poverty and enhancing public well-being, stated that his grassroots experience equips him with the knowledge needed to revitalise the state's economy
He expressed, “I am embarking on a journey that will transform Ondo State totally, a journey that will give us a state to be proud of. We will not give our people fish but we will teach them how to catch fish.”
“This is Ondo State and it belongs to all of us. So, if it is well governed, we will be safe. If it is not governed as expected, all of us will become the casualty of the bad government. That is exactly what we are experiencing in Ondo state now.
“I know in Ondo state, I know in Kiribo, Arogbo, Igbekebo, Oke-Agbe that our people aren’t having meals the way they should. Most of the communities that used to be economically vibrant cities have become dead.”
“So, the people of the state know us very well, they are going to choose wisely, I can assure you, they have already chosen me to lead the state in the coming election.”
He further said, “I am going to make sure that we transform Ondo State to economic base where everybody will be busy in terms of commerce, economic activities and everything”, he stressed.
“There is no single tractor provided for farmers in Ondo State, so, how do you expect mechanised farming to thrive in such state? I believe that Ondo State can feed the entire South West states. My government will encourage massive mechanised farming, farmers will be provided with adequate facilities to aide their businesses.”
Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus (59) - LP
The Labour Party (LP) candidate for the Ondo governorship, Dr Ayodele Olorunfemi, has promised to combat corruption in public offices.
According to the LP candidate, corruption and bribery have hindered the people from reaping the rewards of democracy. Olorunfemi asserted that overcoming corruption is vital for the party to execute its all-encompassing plan for state transformation and resident satisfaction.
“Corruption is the reason life had become difficult for the masses. It is the reason why there is poverty in our land and people are angry with public officeholders.
“We must kill corruption in public offices; we must kill corruption in procurement and contract costs.
“In our government, there will be nothing like corruption; state resources are enough to create the happiness everyone is yearning for,” Olorunfemi said.
The LP candidate promised to rigorously follow all necessary protocols to address corruption if he is elected. He pledged to implement a robust accountability framework, maintain openness in procurement procedures, and utilise technology to tackle bribery in public offices.
“We shall put machinery in place to achieve this because corruption has created a wide gap between the rich and the poor.
“No corrupt person will escape our system,” he promised.
Seyi Law appreciates Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa on SSA appointment
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Popular Nigerian comedian Oluwaseyi Aletile, otherwise known as Seyi Law, has appreciated the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for appointing him as Senior Special Assistant on entertainment and tourism.
TheRadar compiled the reactions of netizens about the recent appointment of the comedian.