Summary:
- Dapo Abiodun, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has won his re-election bid as Governor of Ogun State, Nigeria.
- Abiodun was declared the winner of the governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, March 19, 2023.
- Abiodun’s victory is expected to provide a continuation of his administration’s policies and programs that have been aimed at advancing the state’s development.
- The gubernatorial election in Ogun State was marred by some instances of violence and voter intimidation, but the overall voter turnout was relatively high.
Dapo Abiodun has won his re-election bid to serve another term as Governor of Ogun State, Nigeria.
According to the state returning officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Kayode Adebowale, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate secured a total of 276,298 votes in the March 18, 2023 governorship election, defeating his closest rivals Ladi Adebutu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 262,383 votes and Biyi Otegbeye of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) who garnered 94,754 votes.
The results were announced on Sunday, with the INEC declaring Abiodun the winner of the gubernatorial election. “The requirements of the law have been satisfied by Abiodun Adedapo Oluseun of APC, and he is hereby declared the winner and returned elected,” said Adebowale.
Governorship elections were held in 28 of Nigeria’s 36 states on Saturday, with the governorship and state assembly elections taking place a week later than initially scheduled due to a court case that forced INEC to move them forward.
Of the 28 states, 11 serving governors, including Abiodun, sought reelection, while 17 outgoing governors are in the final weeks of their constitutional two-term limits of eight years, having been sworn in on May 29, 2015.
The results of the governorship elections in Nigeria are crucial as the state governors play a crucial role in Nigeria’s federal structure, overseeing the administration and development of their respective states.
Abiodun’s victory is expected to provide a continuation of his administration’s policies and programs that have been aimed at advancing the state’s development.
The Ogun State Governor has been working to boost the economy of the state through various initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and attracting foreign investment.
The APC candidate has pledged to continue to work towards the growth and development of Ogun State, stating that his administration will prioritize agriculture, health, and education, among other sectors.
The governorship election in Ogun State was marred by some instances of violence and voter intimidation.
However, the overall voter turnout was relatively high, indicating the strong interest and participation of the electorate in the state’s political process.
The successful conduct of the gubernatorial election in Ogun State has been lauded by various stakeholders, including local and international observers, who have commended INEC for its efforts towards ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process in the state.