Ondo State Governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has expressed optimism of winning the ongoing governorship in the state.

Peoples Gazette reports that a total of 17 political parties are contesting the governor’s seat.

Mr Aiyedatiwa also said that he expected the people of the state to translate their love for him with their votes. 

He spoke shortly after voting at polling units 05, Ward 004 in Obenla in the Ilaje Local Government Area of the state. 

Mr Aiyedatiwa, who voted at 8:50 a.m., said his passion for growth and development had also earned him support in the ongoing exercise. 

“I believe the election will be peaceful and credible. From what I gathered, it revealed that other locations have materials. They should go out and vote. I believe with what we have done in the last 10 months. The voters know who they want as their governor, and I know they will translate their support to vote for me,” Mr Aiyedatiwa stated.  

He stated, “I am at an advantage to win this election because I have worked for the people. The last 10 months had been about rapid development. I was the only candidate that covered the entire state. I believed they would translate the love to vote for me today.”

The governor noted that the reports he was getting showed that the ongoing election was peaceful.

He saluted the people of the state for composing themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner, noting that people of the state had always been known for peace and progress. 

“I also know the same situation will be at other locations in the state. The people will comport themselves. We are peaceful in Ondo State. We have been having our election in a peaceful environment,” Mr Aiyedatiwa said. 

Earlier, eligible voters arrived at the polling units as early as 7 am. 

The Gazette reports that many of them arrived at their polling units to the welcoming hands of the ad-hoc officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission.  

There was a heavy presence of security personnel who were on the ground to ensure a peaceful voting environment at the polling stations. 

 Some election monitoring groups and observers were also on the ground to monitor the process.