Candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in the November 16, 2024, Ondo State governorship election, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye, is dead. He was 60.
Akingboye’s sudden demise was announced via a press statement issued by his aide, Oyeniyi Iwakun , on Wednesday, saying the politician died early Wednesday at his residence in Victoria Garden City, VGC, Lagos.
“Known for his unwavering integrity, humility, and generosity, Akingboye left an indelible mark as a successful businessman and a mentor to many across Nigeria and beyond,” Iwakun said in the release.
“He is survived by his wives, children, grandchildren, and siblings. The family has requested privacy during this period of grief, adding that burial arrangements and further details will be communicated in due course.”
It would be recalled that Akingboye contested the November 2024 governorship election but lost to the incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
But Akingboye and his party, SDP, thrashed the result, citing widespread irregularities.
The SDP claimed that its agents were harassed and chased away from polling units, and voters were fiercely intimidated. Akingboye also alleged that the vote was fraught with fraud and asked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to cancel the result.
INEC ignored their protestations.
