The candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the November 16, 2024, Ondo State governorship election, Bamidele Akingboye, is dead.
His death was confirmed on Wednesday in a statement by his aide, Oyeniyi Iwakun.
According to the statement, Akingboye died earlier on Wednesday at his residence in Victoria Garden City, Lagos.
The statement read, “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.
“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.
Akingboye contested the November 2024 governorship election but lost to the incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
After the poll, Akingboye and the SDP rejected the result, alleging widespread irregularities.
The party claimed its agents were harassed and chased away from polling units, while voters were intimidated.
Akingboye himself insisted that the exercise was marred by malpractices and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to cancel the election.
