As voters in Ondo State go to the polls today decide who will govern them for the next four years, the race is believed to be about three candidates even though 17 personalities have indicated interest.
The main contenders are Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who is seeking a second term under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Mr Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The Deputy Governor of Ondo State Agboola Ajayi is also in the race as the candidate of Zenith Labour Party.
Other candidates include Rotimi Akindejoye of Accord Party (AP), Prince Dapo Adelegan of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Prince Martin Olateru-Olagbebi of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Oyeleye Fasua of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Dotun Ojon of the Young Progressive Party (YPP).
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the people of Ondo State to maintain orderliness at the polling units and comply with all the COVID-19 protocols and guidelines as they go out to cast their votes.
Mr Festus Okoye, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, gave the advice in an telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure on Friday.
Okoye urged the people to wear their face masks while going out to cast their votes saying “It is important that voting takes place without compromising the health of the citizens.”
Okoye assured the people of Ondo State that the Commission was committed to the delivery of free, fair and peaceful election in the state.
“The people of Ondo State have a golden opportunity of making a huge difference in the electoral landscape of Nigeria.
“The people of Ondo State should remain peaceful and vigilant and rebuff anti-democratic forces that may attempt to compromise the peaceful conduct of the election,” he said.
