In the aftermath of the 2024 Ondo State Governorship election, Yiaga Africa, a leading civil society organisation, has called on Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate and apparent winner of the polls, to approach victory with magnanimity and foster unity among the electorate.
The organisation, which observed the election under its Watching The Vote initiative, congratulated the people of Ondo State for conducting a peaceful and largely orderly election. Yiaga Africa praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the timely deployment of election materials and the efficient use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) across polling units.
In a statement delivered in Akure, Yiaga Africa commended security agencies for their professionalism, which contributed to the peaceful atmosphere during the election. However, just like the another NGO, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), it expressed concerns over incidents of vote-buying, which it described as a “major threat to electoral integrity.”
“Yiaga Africa urges Mr. Aiyedatiwa and all APC supporters to be magnanimous in their victory. This is a crucial step towards maintaining peace, political maturity, and fostering an inclusive environment where all citizens feel valued, regardless of political affiliation,” the statement said.
Yiaga Africa also encouraged other candidates and political parties to accept the outcome of the election in good faith, citing its verification methodology, which confirmed the accuracy of the official results announced by INEC. The APC garnered between 72.1% and 75.7% of the vote, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) trailed with 22.0% to 25.4%.
The group called on political actors to prioritise issue-based campaigns and commit to electoral reforms that enhance transparency and integrity. It also urged stakeholders to strengthen voter education to build trust in the democratic process.
The election, held on November 16, 2024, marked a milestone for the state, showcasing a blend of improved logistics, early commencement of polls, and enhanced inclusivity for women and persons with disabilities. Yiaga Africa reaffirmed its commitment to promoting credible elections in Nigeria, emphasising the importance of accountability and citizen participation post-election.
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