Ondo 2024: The Significance of the Governorship Election

While the U.S. presidential election may be the most talked-about political event in November, even in Nigeria, Nigerians should also pay close attention to an important election happening this month: the Ondo State governorship election. Amid various national issues—from teenagers facing treason charges to a divisive tax reform bill—it’s easy to overlook the importance of this upcoming election in Ondo State. In Nigeria’s federal system, where states strive for equal prominence, certain states, like Ondo, stand out due to unique characteristics. These factors highlight why the Ondo governorship election deserves close attention.

Ondo is a frontier state in Nigeria’s southwest, geographically and politically. Bordered by Edo and Delta to the east, it serves as a gateway into the southwest. Historically, Ondo played a significant role in the Nigerian Civil War, with its border town, Ọ̀rẹ̀, marking the southwest’s first line of defense. This history contributes to Ondo’s reputation as a political battleground, dating back to the pre-independence era. The state has been influential in southwest politics, from Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s formation of the Action Group to setting a precedent with the Labour Party’s victory in the 2009-2010 election tribunals.

Ondo’s economy is primarily agrarian, particularly focused on cocoa farming, with the Cocoa Processing Factory at Ile Oluji being one of its major economic assets. Though Ondo is rich in minerals, including untapped bitumen deposits, efforts to begin commercial exploration have yet to materialize. Additionally, Ondo’s Atlantic coastline presents opportunities in the maritime economy, especially for fishing communities in Ilaje Ese-Odo, although these communities face climate change challenges.

The state’s oil wealth sets it apart in the southwest, making it the only oil-producing state in the region and connecting it economically to the Niger Delta. However, like other oil-rich states, Ondo faces issues of marginalization, particularly in oil-producing areas lacking in human capital development.

Demographically, Ondo is one of the most diverse southwestern states, with native ethnic groups like the Ijaw, Apoi, and Arogbo, as well as various Yoruba sub-ethnicities, creating a unique cultural blend.

In addition to Ondo’s historical and economic significance, contemporary issues make this election crucial. The ruling APC will be evaluated on its performance over the past seven years. Former governor Rotimi Akeredolu faced tensions with civil servants, and his decision to raise university fees made him unpopular. Controversy over his health, followed by his passing, led to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, assuming office. The APC now faces the challenge of convincing voters to support continuity, while the PDP, fresh from defeat in Edo, aims to regain strength. PDP’s southwest governors, Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke, are already active on the campaign trail in Ondo.

While the race appears to be primarily between the APC and PDP, Ondo has a history of supporting a “third force.” With fifteen other parties fielding candidates, Ondo voters will have a broad array of choices on Saturday, November 16.