The Ondo State governorship election held on November 16, 2024, reaffirmed the people’s choice for leadership as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious. Aiyedatiwa won with 366,781 votes, representing a commanding 72.06% of the total votes cast. His closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), received 117,845 votes (23.15%), while Labour Party candidate Olorunfemi Festus lagged significantly behind with just over 10,000 votes. The win not only solidified Aiyedatiwa’s position as a political force in the state but also reinforced the APC’s hold in the South-West region.
A Low-Turnout Election
While the election concluded without major violence, voter turnout was alarmingly low, with only 527,948 of the 2,053,061 registered voters participating, translating to a turnout rate of 25.7%. This figure reflects a significant decline compared to previous elections in the state. Analysts suggest that political apathy, growing distrust in the system, and a lack of compelling opposition may have discouraged many from voting. Additionally, fears of violence and voter suppression, despite heightened security, likely played a role in the reduced engagement. This low turnout raises important questions about the state of democracy in Nigeria, where electoral outcomes may not truly reflect the will of the majority.

Impact of Low Turnout on the Electoral Process
Low voter turnout presents a serious risk to the integrity of elections. It creates an environment where electoral manipulation, such as ballot stuffing and vote buying, can thrive unchecked. Critics argue that fewer voters at polling units reduce public oversight, making it easier for corrupt practices to go unnoticed. In Ondo, there were reports of attempted vote-buying despite the deployment of over 22,000 security personnel to maintain order. The lack of participation also weakens the legitimacy of elected leaders, as their mandate comes from a smaller portion of the electorate.
Criticisms of the Electoral Process
The Ondo election was not without its fair share of criticism. Opposition parties, particularly the PDP, accused the ruling APC of leveraging state resources to gain an unfair advantage. Allegations of restricting access to public venues for opposition rallies and using state agencies to suppress dissent were rife. These claims have fueled concerns about the fairness of the process, with some arguing that such practices erode the credibility of elections and undermine democracy. Furthermore, delays in the distribution of election materials in certain local government areas prompted frustration among voters, further discouraging participation.

INEC’s Role and Technological Interventions
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) introduced measures to enhance transparency and credibility in the election. The deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and real-time result transmission via the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) were meant to prevent irregularities and instil confidence in the process. However, while these technologies helped ensure a smoother electoral process, they were insufficient to address deeper issues of voter apathy and systemic distrust. INEC’s efforts were commendable, but the low turnout suggests that technological advancements alone cannot resolve longstanding political and societal challenges.
The Road Ahead for Aiyedatiwa
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa now has a clear mandate to continue his leadership of Ondo State. His victory comes after a tumultuous year, during which he assumed office following the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in December 2023. During his brief tenure as governor, Aiyedatiwa focused on stabilising governance and implementing policies aimed at economic growth and infrastructural development. As he begins his first full term, expectations are high for him to address critical issues such as youth unemployment, healthcare, and the state’s infrastructural deficit.
A Test of Democracy
The Ondo election highlights the complexities of Nigeria’s democratic system. While the peaceful conclusion of the election is a positive outcome, the low turnout and allegations of malpractice underscore the need for reforms to strengthen public trust in the electoral process. Political analysts argue that addressing voter apathy requires a holistic approach, including better governance, transparent elections, and efforts to make the political system more inclusive and participatory.

As Ondo’s people have made their choice, the election serves as both a victory and a challenge. Governor Aiyedatiwa has an opportunity to prove that their trust was well-placed, while Nigeria’s political system must find ways to reinvigorate public interest in democracy. Only then can elections truly reflect the collective will of the people.
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