GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS OF ONDO STATE GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION RESULTS OF 2012 AND 2016

Space is one of the key drivers of election results and the few studies on the influence of space on election results in Nigeria reported a mere spatial distribution without giving an insight into their spatial clustering. Using Global and Local Moran?s I geospatial techniques, the study found a significant positive spatial autocorrelation and clustering of votes in 2012 election for the candidates of Peoples Democratic Party in Ilaje, Irele and Ese-Odo local government areas while that of Action Congress of Nigeria was in Owo and Akoko Southwest. In 2016 election, that of All Progressives Congress was in Owo and Ondo East. However, there was a significant negative spatial autocorrelation and clustering of votes for the candidates of Labour Party in Akure North and Alliance for Democracy in Ese-Odo and Ilaje in 2012 election. On the whole, the pattern of votes cast for the victorious party in 2016 election was found to be more regionally concentrated when compared to 2012. The study concluded that a lot still has to be done with regard to voters? education.