Analysis of the 2012 Ondo State Gubernatorial Election

Ondo State is one of the 36 states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The State was created on 3 February 1976 from the former Western State. It originally included what is now Ekiti State, which was split off in 1996. Akure is the state capital. The state lies between latitudes 5°45' and 7°52'N and longitudes 4°20' and 6° 05'E. Its land area is about 15,500 square kilometres. Ondo State is bounded on the east by Edo and Delta states, on the west by Ogun and Osun States, on the north by Ekiti and Kogi States and to the south by the Bight of Benin and the Atlantic Ocean. The State currently has 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

2012 is a very important year for Ondo State, South-West Nigeria and even the Nation as a whole. This is because the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election held on the 20th October, 2012. This election was the most keenly contested election Nigeria has witnessed since the 2011 General elections. This is because there were three major political parties putting forward strong candidates towards the elections. There were however 13 political parties fielding candidates but only three front runners. The parties given the greatest hope of succeeding in the election were Action Congress of Nigeria (.ACN), Labour Party (LP) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Eventually these parties combined recorded over 90% of total votes cast. Each of these parties is a major political force to contend with and that created the stage for an exciting and stimulating election.

This document was written to analyse the results of this election and make a general interpretation of the exercise so as to determine the credibility of the exercise. As a note of caution this document is nonpartisan and is not written in the interest of any political party or even the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). However it is intended to shed light on the 2012 Ondo State Gubernatorial Election objectively and showcase lapses and recognise achievements while providing suggestions for an improved process. It also aims to pass this message across to the general public so as to prevent opportunists from creating dissent and anarchy amongst the general public based on skewed interpretations of the Election Results. This has become necessary because the unity and peace of the nation is of paramount importance and must be sustained at all costs. 

Information and data used in this analysis are obtained from public sources which are referenced in this document. The author bears no responsibility for any inaccurate data although every effort has been made to obtain and use data from credible and reputable sources.  

Please find the link to the full document below:

Analysis of the 2012 Ondo State Gubernatorial Election