By Paul Joseph
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Dayo Faduyile, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the Ondo South Senatorial District by-election held on Saturday.
The Returning Officer for the election, Professor Gbenga Solomon-Ibileye, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, announced the results on Sunday at the collation centre in Okitipupa Local Government Area, confirming that Faduyile secured the highest number of valid votes cast.
According to the official results released by INEC, Faduyile polled an impressive 68,474 votes to emerge victorious in the keenly contested by-election. His closest challenger, Adeolu Akinwunmi of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), garnered just 1,411 votes, while Adesanya Olaoluwa of the Action People’s Party (APP) received 213 votes. Clement Funso-Nejo of the Boot Party (BP) secured 70 votes.
INEC disclosed that a total of 70,770 votes were cast during the election, with 602 votes declared invalid. The by-election was conducted across the six local government areas that make up the Ondo South Senatorial District—Okitipupa, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Irele, Odigbo, and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo.
Several factors contributed to Faduyile’s landslide victory. Firstly, the weak opposition, notably the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), did not field candidates, significantly reducing competition. Secondly, a lack of unity among the remaining opposition parties further weakened their ability to challenge the APC effectively. In contrast, the APC demonstrated strong unity, early preparations, and a consistent grassroots campaign coupled with robust media advocacy. The party took the election very seriously, engaging deeply with the electorate through grassroots efforts and strong messaging.
Speaking after the declaration of results, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, Mutiu Agboke, described the poll as an important rehearsal for the 2027 general election. According to him, the exercise provided valuable lessons for the commission despite a few operational challenges.
“The results reflected the will of the people, and we are grateful that all INEC personnel deployed, including those in the riverine communities, returned safely without any adverse incidents,” Agboke said.
The by-election became necessary following the appointment of former Ondo South senator, Jimoh Ibrahim, as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, creating a vacancy in the Senate.
Faduyile’s victory further strengthens the APC’s dominance in Ondo State and ensures the ruling party retains the Ondo South senatorial seat.
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