The All Progressives Congress has emerged victorious in the Ondo State local government elections held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, winning all 18 chairmanship seats and the 203 councillorship wards across the state.
The announcement was made on Sunday by the Chairman of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, Dr. Joseph Aremo, at the commission’s headquarters in Akure. Dr. Aremo also stated that certificates of return would be presented to the chairmen-elect today, while councillors-elect would receive theirs on Tuesday.
Twelve political parties participated in the election, including Action Alliance, African Democratic Party, Action People’s Party, All Progressives Congress, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Boot Party, Labour Party, New Nigeria People’s Party, National Rescue Movement, Social Democratic Party, Youth Party, and Zenith Labour Party.
For the chairmanship positions, ten parties fielded candidates, with the APC dominating by presenting candidates in all 18 local governments. Similarly, for councillorship positions, the APC fielded candidates in all 203 wards and secured victory in every ward.
Dr. Aremo described the election as “free, fair, and credible,” praising the conduct of electoral officers and the peaceful atmosphere during the exercise.
The Peoples Democratic Party had withdrawn from the elections on January 15, citing concerns over ODIEC’s ability to conduct a fair and transparent process. Despite this, confusion arose at Ward 5 in Ajowa/Igashi/Eriti/Igedegede, Akoko North West, where PDP councillorship candidate Salami Lateef was initially declared the winner with 1,494 votes.
However, ODIEC later nullified the result, declaring the APC candidate, Oluwatuyi Ezekiel Ajiboye, the winner. Dr. Aremo explained that votes for the PDP were invalidated because the party had withdrawn from the elections.
“For a candidate to participate in an election, such a candidate must be sponsored by a political party,” Aremo clarified.
Reacting to the outcome, Ondo State Governor Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa praised the elections as a step toward grassroots development.
“The local government system is a critical component of governance, and this election reflects our administration’s commitment to fostering development at the grassroots level,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The governor, who voted at Polling Unit 5, Ugbo Ward 4, Ilaje Local Government, commended ODIEC for its efficiency and lauded the peaceful conduct of voters.
Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami also expressed satisfaction with voter turnout and described the election as a foundation for delivering good governance at the grassroots level.
“The peaceful conduct of this election demonstrates the commitment of all stakeholders to democracy. I commend ODIEC, security agencies, and the people of Ondo State for ensuring the success of the exercise,” Adelami stated in a press release issued by his Press Secretary, John Paul Akinduro.
Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji, hailed the election’s smooth conduct and highlighted its importance for grassroots governance.
“The local government elections are vital for sustainable development. I appreciate Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support for initiatives that strengthen grassroots governance,” Oladiji said.
Meanwhile, former Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Oyeniyi Oseni, commended the governor for creating a peaceful atmosphere that allowed for free participation. Speaking after casting his vote in Iyometa Ward, Ikare-Akoko, Oseni remarked on the calm and orderly conduct of voters.
“The environment was calm as the exercise was peaceful. People have performed their civic responsibility without any crisis. Although turnout was lower than in the governorship election, the process was credible,” Oseni noted.
While the election was largely peaceful, the PDP’s withdrawal and subsequent invalidation of votes raised questions about inclusivity and fairness. Nonetheless, ODIEC’s handling of the situation and the APC’s sweeping victory underline the dominant position of the ruling party in Ondo State.
