Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the winner of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, has denied allegations of vote-buying by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the polls. He also dismissed speculation of a rift with his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following the PDP’s rejection of the election results.
Speaking on *Channels Television’s Politics Today* on Sunday, Aiyedatiwa insisted that his victory was the result of collective effort and transparency. “For us, it is what we worked for. I didn’t pay money for votes. I am not aware that any party member bought votes on my behalf. Ondo people know what they want,” he stated.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Aiyedatiwa the winner after he secured victories in all 18 local government areas of the state, polling 366,781 votes to Ajayi’s 117,845.
Aiyedatiwa downplayed tensions with Ajayi, noting that both had previously worked under the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and maintained a cordial relationship. “We have access to one another and a free flow of communication. There is no bad blood,” he said, adding that their rivalry was not a “do-or-die” affair.
While Ajayi has yet to reach out to congratulate him, Aiyedatiwa expressed openness to reconciliation but said it was still early to initiate contact. “The declaration by INEC was just some hours ago. But we are not divided in any way. A political party is just a platform to take you to your destination,” he remarked.
The governor-elect emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration, suggesting that his administration would focus on governance rather than partisan conflicts.
