On February 25th, 2023, no fewer than 24,263 citizens in the Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency turned out to vote in full solidarity with Honourable Festus Akingbaso, a former member of the Ondo State House of Assembly and the most criticized candidate in the election by the opposition. He won with over 24,000 votes, a significant increase from the 16,186 votes polled by the previous winner in 2019. Akingbaso endured numerous attacks without confrontation until he emerged victorious in an atmosphere of fear that overshadowed the federal constituency that fateful day when power changed hands.
Maximum respect goes to those who became willing instruments in the resilient struggle that led to his win as the only PDP federal Honourable in the State. Besides his dedicated supporters who stood firm in Idanre and Ifedore, his charisma and leadership skills are undeniable, resonating strongly throughout the federal constituency. The results were not only loud but also indisputable, as no one could mount a carefully planned legal challenge against them.
After his victory, Akingbaso openly acknowledged that his voters included not only party members but also members of the opposition. This reflects the mindset of a progressive politician who understands that those who voted against him are not enemies but contributors to democracy. In contrast, some politicians pride themselves on deriding and attacking individuals exercising their rights to vote differently.
His opponent, a young, wonderful man who claimed the title of the youngest member of the 9th Assembly, corroborated Akingbaso’s experiences in an exclusive interview with the Punch Newspaper on May 5, 2023. He stated:
“Surprisingly, everything changed on election day when our party agents worked against me. Many APC party agents supported the PDP on that day. Painfully, the security agents also acted against us. I still can’t understand what transpired the night before the election.”
He continued, “APC leaders in Idanre Local Government decided not to support me. They shockingly sold me out after I had entrusted my entire election structure to them. They instructed all my groups to collapse under the party and remain loyal.”
Given this context, one might believe that Akingbaso’s win was facilitated by what can be termed politically-contrived support from the opposition, whose members and leaders reportedly “sold out,” according to the candidate.
Months after his well-deserved victory, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—a party he has helped build as a foundational member—invited him to serve as deputy to its governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi. Akingbaso initially rejected this offer, focusing on the responsibilities entrusted to him by the Idanre/Ifedore people. However, he eventually agreed to join Agboola Ajayi’s campaign to rescue Ondo State from ineffective leadership, in the spirit of party unity.
As a supposed beneficiary of APC goodwill, one might have expected Akingbaso to struggle in Idanre, facing diminished support from the opposition, particularly against the APC-controlled State leader, Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa. The government, as anticipated, deployed its machinery against the opposition, leveraging poverty nationally to buy votes.
While addressing a large crowd in Idanre on September 10, 2024, during a campaign leading up to the election, Akingbaso said:
“APC is threatening us that we are not as financially strong as they are. But we have God. When they give you money, take their money and vote for PDP.
“Please go from house to house. Don’t fight with anyone. Idanre has never had a deputy governor before. This is our first chance. We will face them and we will win. Appeal to our youth not to engage them. We need to vote.”
These bold remarks not only motivated the people of Idanre but also inspired them, much like Hitler’s powerful oratory resonated with the Germans. Akingbaso’s populist approach has endeared him to the hearts of the people, driven by his commitment to their welfare.
As expected, the people of Idanre faced the dilemma of choosing between their own son, Akingbaso, and the sitting governor, who, aware of Idanre’s unique situation, made various promises, including the construction of the Akure-Idanre road. Akingbaso, however, has brought to the table not just promises but also a strong character and representation in the National Assembly. The body language of Idanre’s citizens indicated their preference for him over any other candidate, including the governor. This was evident during the governor’s campaign visit, where, despite a lively atmosphere, few were eager to engage with him.
The APC had boasted of sweeping all 18 Local Government Areas, intending to dismiss the opposition entirely. However, in Idanre, they understood that the election was not just between the governor and Agboola Ajayi but fundamentally between the governor and Honourable Festus Akingbaso. To secure their desired outcome, they unleashed violence, compromised security, and resorted to intimidation at polling units. These elements resurrected memories of past electoral violence, as loyal PDP supporters were targeted in their homes.
Despite this militarization of the electoral process, Akingbaso’s PDP secured 8,940 votes, narrowly losing to the APC’s 9,114—only a 174-vote difference. Who would have imagined that ballot stuffing and violence would yield such a slim margin, despite the overt display of power by Ayedatiwa’s supporters? Could it be that Festus Akingbaso is regarded as credible across party lines? Perhaps the political wave that brought him to the House of Representatives transcends party affiliation, focusing on his principles.
The people of Idanre have shown unwavering support for Honourable Festus Akingbaso four times; it is unlikely they will abandon their only son in the ongoing struggle for relevance in the State. They will support him until he is ready to become governor and more.
While many may aspire to his position in less than two years, it is essential to recognize that the people remain in power in Idanre/Ifedore. It is impossible for an individual or a group to unseat a populace still in control. The Idanre/Ifedore people have formed a lasting social contract with Akingbaso and will not rest until their vision for a prosperous future materializes. No amount of name-calling or rabble-rousing will deter them.
They are pleased that he is championing innovative legislation—four bills so far. They are optimistic that soon Idanre will boast an ICT Institute and an ultra-modern Civic Centre in honor of the late Owa Aroloye. They appreciate his attention to rural roads in Idanre and Ifedore, the renovation of health centers, and improvements in educational facilities. They are encouraged by the reduction in youth unemployment through his initiatives in civil defense, polytechnic education, fire service, and health sectors. They value his summer school program and scholarship opportunities for deserving students. All these achievements contribute to the happiness of the people, ensuring their continued partnership with him.
