Olaniyi Ogungbuji, the State Collation Agent for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has leveled serious accusations against the All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming that the party spent over N35 billion to influence voters during the recent Ondo State governorship election.
Ogungbuji made these allegations shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC as the winner of the election held on Saturday.
The announcement was made by the Returning Officer, Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi, at 2:29 p.m. on Sunday at the INEC headquarters in Akure.
Governor Aiyedatiwa triumphed with a significant margin, securing 366,781 votes, while his closest contender, Agboola Ajayi of the PDP, garnered 117,845 votes. Adeyemi Nejo from the African Democratic Party (ADP) followed with 4,138 votes.
In a press briefing after the results were announced, Ogungbuji stated, “While this is the final outcome of the election, I can assure you that the APC invested over N35 billion into voter inducement. If this represents the future of our nation, we are in serious trouble.”
He expressed concern that elections were not conducted in certain polling stations in Idanre Local Government Area, but his concerns were dismissed at the collation center.
Ogungbuji indicated that the party’s candidate, Agboola Ajayi, along with the party leadership, would determine the next steps in the coming days.
“I will relay this information to Ajayi and the party, and they will decide on the appropriate course of action shortly,” he noted.
In response, the APC state agent, Ade Adeogun, refuted the allegations of vote buying, characterizing them as unfounded excuses.
He remarked, “Throughout this election period, we even raised concerns about excessive policing in Ondo State. If they had any credible evidence, they would have reported it to the security agencies, and those involved in vote buying would have faced consequences.”
Adeogun emphasized that without substantial evidence, such claims are merely attempts to deflect blame. “They lost the election. They lost decisively, and they are grasping at straws.”
He suggested that the opposition party should be allowed to mourn their defeat, acknowledging their right to express their disappointment.
“It’s merely an allegation, and in court, the burden of proof lies with the accuser. For you to substantiate your claims, you must provide credible and verifiable evidence. If out of ten political parties, only one is complaining, it’s clear they are struggling with the pain of loss, and we must give them space to process it.”
Adeogun added, “When a child fails an exam, they are allowed to cry. Let’s give them the time they need to accept their defeat and come to terms with the fact that they simply didn’t deserve to win.”
