Dare Glintstone Akinniyi, spokesperson for the PDP National Youth Group, has expressed his disappointment over Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa's re-election in Ondo State, labeling it a "rigged" election. Akinniyi accused the APC of using financial incentives to sway voters, offering between 10,000 and 20,000 naira.

Aiyedatiwa, the APC candidate, won the November 19 election with 366,781 votes, while his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the PDP, secured 117,845 votes. Akinniyi lamented that despite Nigeria's economic struggles, the APC was able to secure victory by exploiting poverty as a political tool.

Akinniyi warned that unless opposition parties unite, the APC's manipulation tactics will continue unchecked. He criticized Aiyedatiwa, stating that the governor had little to show for his victory, and urged the opposition to begin preparations for the 2027 elections.

With speculation surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's second-term agenda, Akinniyi emphasized the need for a stronger, unified opposition force. He noted that the APC's financial power far outweighs that of the PDP, and that the party must engage and energize young voters and strengthen its grassroots structures to challenge the ruling party.