Ondo Polls: APC Leads in 15 LGAs as INEC Calls 12 Noon Recess

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a second recess in the ongoing collation of results for the Ondo State elections after two additional Local Government Areas (LGAs) were added to the initial 13 already declared.

As of the latest update, results from 15 LGAs have been announced, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) leading across all of them. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) follows in second place. INEC’s decision to adjourn proceedings was made by the collation officer, Professor Olayemi Akinwunmi, who cited logistical delays in the arrival of results from two far-flung local governments.

“We will adjourn until 12 noon,” Professor Akinwunmi said, addressing the crowd. “The results from Ilaje and Ese Odo LGAs are yet to arrive as these areas are quite far from Akure. We need to give them time to reach us.”

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The results declared so far cover 15 LGAs: Ifedore, Ondo East, Ileoluji Oke-Igbo, Idanre, Irele, Akoko South West, Owo, Ondo West, Akoko South East, Akoko North West, Ose, Akoko North East, Akure South, Akure North, and Okitipupa. However, the remaining results from Ilaje, Odigbo, and Ese Odo are still awaited.

Tension briefly flared in Idanre, where a representative from the PDP raised concerns about possible election malpractice, including allegations of vote-buying, ballot box snatching, and the absence of voting in some areas. The PDP agent called for the rejection of results from Idanre, but no immediate action was taken by INEC.

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Despite the challenges, INEC officials remain optimistic. National Commissioner Professor Kunle Ajayi assured the public that the commission would not leave the collation center until all results were officially declared. Speaking to reporters before the collation resumed, Professor Ajayi stated, “I can assure you that until we declare the winner, we won’t leave here. We will wait until the last local government before we leave.”

He further expressed confidence that the process would be completed by the early hours of the morning. “I don’t have any fear that even by 6am, maybe everything would have been over.”