Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Boasts of Being More Popular Than Agboola Ajayi
In the aftermath of the governorship election held on November 16, Aiyedatiwa, who emerged victorious, has declared that he is more popular than his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi.
Aiyedatiwa’s confidence stems from his convincing win over Ajayi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, who was previously the state’s deputy governor from 2017 to 2021.
During a live interview on Channels Television, Aiyedatiwa took a swipe at Ajayi, pointing out that the latter had struggled to win his local government in previous elections.
“Ondo State people know both of us,” Aiyedatiwa said. “We served the same master [Rotimi Akeredolu]; may his soul rest in peace. The people know us better.”
Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the governorship election was a different ball game from local government or ward elections, where Ajayi had previously underperformed.
“Of course, I am more popular,” Aiyedatiwa declared. “The people can see. Let me say this. He ran for governorship election before against the late governor under the Zenith Labour Party. He didn’t even win his local government. If he is so popular and has that kind of followership, supposed he won 10 wards out of his local government, he only won one ward.”
Vote Buying Allegations
Aiyedatiwa also addressed allegations of vote buying, which have been leveled against his political associates. He denied any knowledge of such activities being conducted on his behalf.
“I’m not aware of such,” Aiyedatiwa said. “The opposition will want to say that to make excuses for their failure, but for us, it is what we worked for; the people have spoken through their votes.”
Aiyedatiwa dismissed the allegations, stating that Ondo State residents know what they want and would not be swayed by vote buying. He claimed to be unaware of any vote buying activities conducted on his behalf.
Watch Aiyedatiwa’s full interview below:
