Ondo Election: APC Maintains Lead in 15 LGAs, Collation Resumes at Noon

Ondo Election: APC Maintains Lead in 15 LGAs, Collation Resumes at Noon

The Ondo State Governorship Election collation has reached an interesting point as the All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to dominate in 15 of the Local Government Areas (LGAs) announced so far. With the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) trailing behind, all eyes are now on the remaining three LGAs to determine the final outcome.

So far, results have been declared for Ifedore, Ondo East, Ileoluji Oke-Igbo, Idanre, Irele, Akoko South West, Owo, Ondo West, Akoko South East, Akoko North West, Ose, Akoko North East, Akure South, Akure North, and Okitipupa. The APC is leading in all 15, showing a strong performance across the state.

However, the collation process has been paused once again. Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi, the collation officer, announced a second recess, explaining that results from the remaining three LGAs—Ilaje, Odigbo, and Ese Odo—are yet to arrive due to the long distance from Akure, the state capital.

“I think we can just adjourn till 12 noon please. Two remaining local governments are not here yet, so we adjourn till 12 noon. The local governments, Ilaje and Ese Odo, are very far, so we need to give the time to arrive here,” Prof. Akinwunmi said.

The collation process hasn’t been without drama. In Idanre LGA, the PDP agent raised serious concerns about vote buying, ballot box snatching, and reports of no elections in certain areas. He urged the returning officer to reject the results from Idanre, but no decision has been made yet regarding his request.

Despite these issues, INEC National Commissioner Prof. Kunle Ajayi assured residents that the collation and result declaration would be concluded as soon as possible. “I can assure you that until we declare the winner, we won’t leave here. We will wait until the last local government before we leave,” he said, expressing hope that everything would be wrapped up by 6 a.m.

For now, everyone is waiting for the results from the remaining LGAs to see if the APC’s lead will hold or if there will be a last-minute surprise. Stay tuned for updates as the collation process resumes at noon!