The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates and their running mates for the November 16 Ondo State governorship election. The commission revealed that 17 political parties will field candidates and participate in the poll. The personal particulars of the candidates and their running mates have been published in the INEC state and local government offices in Ondo State.
According to Sam Olumekun, the INEC national commissioner and chairman of the information and voter education committee, two political parties, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), conducted fresh primaries to replace their earlier nominated candidates and running mates by the deadline of June 10. Five parties replaced their running mates only.
The list of candidates includes Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajayi Agboola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olorunfemi Ayodele (Labour Party), and Akingboye Benson of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). However, there is no woman among the 17 candidates and their deputies. One candidate nominated by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a person with a disability (a paraplegic).
The final list also shows the candidates’ breakdown by age and academic qualifications. The list has been published at the INEC office in Akure and uploaded to their website and social media platforms for public information. The election is scheduled to be held on November 16, 2024.
