The two leading candidates in Ondo State’s November 16, 2024, governorship election squared off on Sunday night in Akure, the state capital, in a debate that highlighted their competing visions for the future of the state. While 17 parties have registered candidates for the race, political analysts have framed the contest as a close rivalry between Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ajayi and Aiyedatiwa share a unique political history, both having served as deputies to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. Ajayi was deputy during Akeredolu’s first term, while Aiyedatiwa took on the role in the late governor’s second term before his passing.
The debate, organized by Channels Television in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and the UK International Development, kicked off at 7 p.m. on Sunday, with the two candidates presenting their policies and addressing the state’s pressing issues.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that 2.053 million registered voters are eligible to vote in the election. Additionally, out of 89,777 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) recently delivered to the state, 64,273 have been collected by voters, indicating significant interest in the upcoming poll.
