Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has voted in the Ondo governorship election.

Aiyedatiwa cast his ballot at his Polling Unit 5, Ugbo Ward, 4 Obenla community in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state at around 8:50 am.

After voting, he described the election as peaceful, hailed the turnout of voters for the exercise, and was confident of winning the election.

With what we have done for the last 10 months, the populace, the voters, like I said, they know who they want,” the governor said.

“I believe I’m in an advantaged position to win this election because of the work that I have done in the last 10 months since I assumed office as the governor of the state. We traversed the entire 18 local governments; and visited communities all across.”

In my community, it is peaceful and turnout is very, very encouraging. And I want to believe that the same situation would be at other locations across the state. It’s peaceful here,” he said.

According to him, security operatives deserve commendation for their role in the conduct of the election.

I want to commend the security agency, the police, the civil defense, and the military in the background. They are heavily deployed to be able to attend to any security threat and I believe the people comport themselves,” the governor said.

“We are peaceful people in Ondo state. Ondo State has been judged to be one of the most safest and peaceful states in Nigeria.”

A Southwest Airlines flight bound for Indianapolis was reportedly struck by gunfire while preparing for departure at Dallas Love Field Airport on Friday night, as confirmed by the airline. The incident occurred around 9:48 p.m. at 8000 Herb Keller Way, and authorities were quickly alerted to the scene.

According to a spokesperson for Southwest Airlines, a bullet hit the aircraft, but fortunately, no injuries were reported among the 99 passengers and crew on board. The aircraft taxied safely back to the terminal immediately after the incident.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Southwest Airlines provided further details, explaining that Flight 2494 was preparing for takeoff when a bullet struck the plane’s right side, just below the flight deck. The airline reassured passengers that it would accommodate them on another flight and has since taken the affected plane out of service.

While law enforcement was promptly notified, Dallas Police have not yet disclosed information about the source or motive behind the gunfire. The Dallas Police Department has intensified security efforts at the airport, and a thorough investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further updates are expected as authorities continue their inquiries into this unexpected and concerning situation.

Gist9ja

The Department of State Services (DSS) operatives made a notable arrest during the Ondo State governorship election, apprehending a suspected vote-buyer in Akure.

The individual was found in possession of two large bags filled with cash, believed to be intended for influencing voters in the election. The arrest occurred around 9 a.m. at Ward 4, Polling Unit 007, near St. Stephen’s Primary School.

Meanwhile, the election day saw Ondo State’s incumbent governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, casting his vote early in the day. The governor voted at Polling Unit 05, Ward 4, in Obenla, Ilaje Local Government Area at precisely 8:52 a.m.

After casting his ballot, Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring an organized and seamless process at the polls, particularly in his ward. He also encouraged voters across the state to participate peacefully, stressing the importance of each vote in shaping Ondo’s future.

Reports from polling units across the state indicate that voting materials arrived on time, and INEC ad-hoc staff were present and prepared to conduct the election. Security personnel from multiple agencies were stationed across Ondo to ensure a secure and orderly voting environment.

The Ondo governorship election has drawn widespread attention, with Governor Aiyedatiwa and a diverse field of candidates from several political parties competing for the state’s highest office. The election marks a critical moment for Ondo’s residents, who are eager to see their chosen leaders guide the state forward.