Ondo 2020: Akeredolu Defeats Agboola Ajayi, Jegede in Mock Election

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ondo State governorship election, Rotimi Akeredolu, has emerged winner of a mock election organised by Coalition 2020.

The coalition comprises more than 26 political groups, ethnic associations, trade unions, youth organisations and women’s groups.

More than 400 delegates participated in the exercise.

Akeredolu polled 162 votes, while the Zenith Labour Party candidate, Agboola Ajayi, came second with 89 votes.

Peoples Democratic Party candidate Eyitayo Jegede received 67 votes, while Dapo Adelegan of the African Democratic Congress polled six votes.

There was a brief disruption during the counting of ballots after some participants allegedly attempted to interfere with the process and damage the ballot box.

Security personnel at the venue intervened and restored order, allowing the counting to continue.

Chairman of Coalition 2020, Akin Akinbobola, said the group would support whichever candidate emerged winner of the mock election.

Following the result, the coalition announced its endorsement of Akeredolu and the APC ahead of the October 10 governorship election.

Akinbobola said members of the coalition had initially considered opposing Akeredolu’s re-election but changed their position after meeting and listening to him.

He described the outcome of the mock exercise as an indication of the preference of coalition members and said the group would work for Akeredolu’s victory in the main election.

Ondo APC Chairman Ade Adetimehin welcomed the endorsement and urged participants who supported other candidates to accept the outcome peacefully.

Adetimehin also denied allegations that delegates had been induced to vote for the APC.

The mock election was organised by Coalition 2020 and was not an official election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.