ANALYSIS OF THE POLITICAL CLIMATE OF ONDO STATE

The political climate of Ondo state is currently in a state of transition, following the demise of the late
governor of Ondo State on the 27th of December 2023. Here Our analysis and major breakdown of
event.

 New Leadership: Lucky Aiyedatiwa, formerly the deputy governor, is now the governor of the
state.

 Government Tension: There had been previous tensions between Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa
due to Akeredolu's health issues impacting his ability to govern leading instability in the state.
Therefore, Loyalist to the previous government are not in support of the new government due
to lingering effects from the political friction.

 Hope for Stability: With Aiyedatiwa officially in charge, expectations are that the political
situation will stabilize, in his words the Governor had said “We have put the welfare of the people
first by ordering all contractors back to sites to breathe life into the hitherto abandoned projects.
We championed the welfare of the workers by paying outstanding salary arrears and settled
substantial amounts from the gratuities of pensioners. We also ensure payment of salaries to
workers as and when due, so much that we owe no kobo to workers as of today.” There are also
support from most of the members of the house of assembly.

 Upcoming Elections: Ondo state elections has been scheduled for 16th November 2024, while
the primaries will be held between 6th – 27th April 2024, which could introduce a new chapter
in Ondo State's politics. Governments might also delay approving support for projects during
election periods, focusing on campaigning instead.

 Uncertainties Remain: Although the Governor has declared his intentions to run for the
governorship position, he was not given an automatic ticket by the All Progressive Congress
(APC) making the primaries competitive as some influential candidates has also declared intention
to run for the position in APC. However, the incumbent governor has the support of the 18 out
of 26 lawmakers out of which 22 of the 26 lawmakers are APC members. This holds great
possibility for victory in the primaries, although other candidates also show great strength.

Overall, the political climate in Ondo State is relatively stable, even though there are Shifting alliances
among factions due to political friction, the result of the primaries will impact the final outcome of
the election in the state.