Raises Alarm Over Low Voter Registration Turnout in Ondo
Challenges Aiyedatiwa’s Commitment To Tinubu’s Re-Election Bid
A Socio-Political group, the South West Progressive Vanguard (SWPV), has called on the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to closely monitor the political activities of Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa,
The group cited concerns over his commitment to the party’s goals for the 2027 general elections, especially President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
In a statement issued by its Coordinator, Elder Adewale Jackson, the group expressed disappointment over the low turnout in Ondo State during the ongoing 2025 nationwide continuous voter registration exercise.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 1,379,342 Nigerians registered during the online registration phase of the exercise that began on August 18. However, only 3,426 individuals registered in Ondo State.
Among the six geopolitical zones, the Southwest region recorded the highest number of newly registered voters, with Osun registering 393,269, Lagos 222,205, Ogun 132,823, Oyo 66,951, and Ekiti 29,685.
SWPV attributed Ondo’s low figures to what was described as poor awareness campaigns and a lack of mobilisation efforts by the state's APC-led government.
The group reminded the party leadership of the strong support Ondo State provided during the 2023 presidential election under the leadership of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who served as the state coordinator for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign.
The group noted that Ondo delivered the highest percentage of votes for Tinubu among all states.
However, it expressed concern that the current administration’s apparent lack of enthusiasm could jeopardise similar success in 2027.
“We are worried that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s lukewarm approach to creating awareness and mobilising residents for the voter registration exercise may hinder President Tinubu’s re-election project.
“Unlike other southwest states where governors have actively engaged their citizens, it appears the Ondo State government has not prioritised this critical exercise.” the group noted.
The SWPV, which aims to mobilise support for Tinubu in each southwest state, expressed fears that the APC risks losing Ondo State if urgent action is not taken.
“We applaud Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State for directing his party executives to mobilise Ogun State residents. This has resulted in strong participation.
“Similarly, Osun State has recorded an impressive turnout, even as it prepares for its 2026 governorship election. Our joy is that Governor Ademola Adeleke, despite being a PDP member, has openly endorsed President Tinubu’s 2027 presidential bid.”
The SWPV raised concerns that Governor Aiyedatiwa appears preoccupied with positioning himself for the 2028 Ondo governorship election.
“Unfortunately, Ondo is lagging. Governor Aiyedatiwa has not done enough to mobilise residents for this crucial exercise. Apart from his poor performance in office over the last two years, his political strategy seems entirely focused on 2028. If proper monitoring is not put in place, APC could lose ground in Ondo,” the group warned.
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