Today, 1,757,205 registered voters in Ondo State will head to polling stations across its 18 local government areas to elect a new governor who will steer the affairs of the state for the next four years.
This marks an increase in the number of registered voters compared to the 2020 election, which had 1,647,973 registered voters, of which only 580,887 votes were recorded.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed its readiness for the exercise, deploying 4,002 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices across 3,933 polling units, with 812 units on standby in case of technical hitches.
Speaking on the commission’s preparations, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, assured the public that sensitive materials were distributed on Thursday to the Registration Area Centres (RACs) for timely deployment.
Key issues to shape victory
While 17 political parties have been cleared by INEC to contest, analysts suggest the election will be a two-horse race between the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag-bearer, Agboola Ajayi.
Both contenders, intriguingly, served as deputies to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, leading many to dub this poll the “battle of deputies.” Akeredolu, who died last year after battling prostate cancer and was succeeded by Aiyedatiwa, left a significant political legacy in the state, and this is still expected to shape the outcome.
While Agboola served in Akeredolu’s first term, his ambition was believed to have driven a wedge between them and was replaced with Aiyedatiwa for the 2020 governorship election.
Heavy deployment of security
In a move aimed at ensuring a peaceful process, over 43,000 security personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order during the election.
The Nigeria Police Force is spearheading the effort, contributing 34,657 officers, with at least four stationed at each polling unit. Supporting this robust presence are 6,000 officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and additional deployments from the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies.
The Nigerian Navy has also mobilised gunboats to secure waterways and protect election materials, particularly in the riverine regions of the state. Additionally, the military has been placed on standby to provide backup where needed.
A show of force was observed in Akure, the state capital, as security operatives conducted a motorcade across major streets, signaling their readiness to respond to any disruptions.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has imposed a restriction on vehicular movement from 6 am to 6 pm on election day, barring essential services such as ambulances, fire services, and accredited media personnel. He also prohibited VIP escorts from accompanying their principals to polling units.
He revealed that DIG Sylvester Alabi has been appointed as the coordinating officer for the election, supported by AIG Bennett Igweh and CP Tunji Disu, to oversee the implementation of security measures.
Observers flag vote-buying, misinformation
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has deployed monitors to counter disinformation and fact-check narratives. Adele Jinadu, Chair of CDD’s Election Analysis Centre, called for impartiality and adherence to democratic standards.
Jinadu highlighted concerns over voter apathy and gendered disinformation. “Initiatives to counter misogynistic narratives and empower women in politics are essential,” he said.
Similarly, Ezenwa Nwagwu, Chair of the 2024 Ondo Election Mission for Yiaga Africa, called on security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone engaging in vote-buying or other electoral malpractices. “We encourage strict enforcement of laws against voter inducement, ballot box snatching, and other illegal activities,” he said.
Residents stock up amid uncertainty
In the lead-up to the election, Akure and other towns in Ondo have witnessed a flurry of activity. Residents on Friday were seen trooping to markets to stock their homes with essential items to prepare for the restriction on movement. Markets, food stores, and supermarkets have been bustling with last-minute shoppers.
At the Oba Adesida and Oba Adedeji markets, traders reported brisk sales. A trader, Ahmed Musa, expressed optimism, saying, “I am happy at how people have been trooping here since morning. Many of us are making good sales. I pray that the election goes on smoothly.”
For many residents, the rush to stock up is driven by concerns over potential post-election unrest. Ms Abiola Adedapo, a resident, said, “I have to stock my home because we don’t know what could happen. The desperation among the politicians is just too much.”
