INEC Announces APC’s Lucky Aiyedatiwa Winner of Ondo Guber Poll
Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, has been declared the winner of the Ondo State gubernatorial election held on November 16, 2024. Aiyedatiwa secured a landslide victory, winning all 18 local government areas in the state.
This marks Aiyedatiwa’s first full term as governor, after taking office in 2023 following the passing of his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu, whom he had served as deputy governor under.
Aiyedatiwa’s rise to power is part of a notable trend in Nigerian politics, where several deputy governors have gone on to assume the governorship. In this article, we will explore some of these cases, highlighting the paths to power taken by these ambitious politicians.
Notable Examples
Goodluck Jonathan (Bayelsa State)
Goodluck Jonathan succeeded as governor of Bayelsa State in December 2005, following the impeachment of Diepreye Alamieyeseigha on corruption charges. He later became Nigeria’s Vice President and eventually President.
Patrick Yakowa (Kaduna State)
Patrick Yakowa took office as Kaduna State governor in May 2010, following the elevation of Namadi Sambo to Vice President. Yakowa was the first Christian to serve as governor of the state.
Virginia Etiaba (Anambra State)
Virginia Etiaba made history in November 2006 by becoming the first female governor of Nigeria, after Peter Obi’s impeachment. Although her tenure was brief, lasting just three months, she achieved a significant milestone in Nigerian politics.
Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo State)
Adebayo Alao-Akala assumed office as governor of Oyo State in January 2006, following the impeachment of Rashidi Ladoja. Although Ladoja was later reinstated, Alao-Akala went on to win the 2007 gubernatorial election.
Bala James Ngilari (Adamawa State)
In October 2014, Bala James Ngilari became governor of Adamawa State after the impeachment of Murtala Nyako. He served until the end of his term in May 2015.
Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe State)
Ibrahim Gaidam took office as governor of Yobe State in January 2009, following the death of Governor Mamman Ali. He went on to win consecutive elections in 2011 and 2015.
Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano State)
Abdullahi Ganduje succeeded Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as governor of Kano State in 2015, after serving as his deputy twice. He was re-elected in 2019.
Umar Namadi (Jigawa State)
Umar Namadi transitioned from deputy governor to governor of Jigawa State in 2023, succeeding Badaru Abubakar after contesting on the APC platform.
David Umahi (Ebonyi State)
David Umahi served as deputy governor before being elected governor of Ebonyi State in 2015 under the PDP platform.
Mahmud Shinkafi (Zamfara State)
Mahmud Shinkafi succeeded his principal, Yerima Sani, as governor of Zamfara State in 2007, after eight years as deputy governor. However, his defection to the PDP in 2008 cost him re-election in 2011.
Mukhtar Yero (Kaduna State)
Mukhtar Yero became governor of Kaduna State in 2012, following the death of Patrick Yakowa. He served until 2015.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State)
Lucky Aiyedatiwa assumed office as governor of Ondo State in 2023, following the death of Rotimi Akeredolu. His historic victory in the 2024 election marks a new chapter in his political career.
