Dopo Abiodun re-elected in Ogun state governor

Dapo Abiodun has secured his position as the Ogun State Governor for another four-year term.

The Independent National Electoral Commission announced Abiodun’s victory on Sunday, declaring that he won with a total of 276,298 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, who garnered 262,383 votes and 12 other candidates. Abiodun beat Adebutu by 13,915 votes.

According to the returning officer of the governorship election, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, a total of 2,688,305 registered voters were recorded, while the accredited voters were 666,406. Adebowale stated that a total of 645,133 votes were valid, while 18,835 votes were rejected, and 663,968 votes were cast.

The All Progressives Congress won in Odeda, Egbado-North, Egbado-South, Ewekoro, Ijebu-North, Ijebu-Ode, Ipokia, Abeokuta-North, Ado-Odo/Ota, Ifo, Obafemi-Owode, and Imeko-Afon local government areas of the state. Meanwhile, the PDP won in Abeokuta-South, Ogun Waterside, Ijebu-North/East, Ikenne, Ijebu-East, Remo-North, Odogbolu, and Sagamu.

In addition, Accord Party polled 724 votes, Action Alliance 382, African Action Congress 2613, Action Democratic Congress 94,753, Action Democratic Party 2770, Allied People Movement 2066, Action Peoples Party 207, New Nigeria Peoples Party 1394, National Rescue Movement 779, Peoples Redemption Party 248, and Social Democratic Party 515.

Before Abiodun was declared the winner of the poll, the PDP collation agent, Sunkanmi Oyejide, cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission against declaring the winner of the election. Oyejide raised concerns that if the total rejected votes outnumbered the lead margin, a rerun should be declared, citing Section 24 Sub-Section 3 of the Electoral Act (amended).

Governor Abiodun expressed his gratitude for securing another term, stating that his victory is a further challenge to deliver on the All Progressives Congress’s manifesto. He promised that his second term would usher in more democratic benefits while continuing with the government of inclusiveness that has been the hallmark of his administration in the last four years.

Abiodun added that his win is a further indication that power belongs to God and that his victory is a “further proof that no man can play God or stop what God has ordained.” He commended the people for conducting themselves peacefully during the polls and appreciated the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, the media, and other relevant stakeholders for ensuring an atmosphere that enabled peaceful elections.