The Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Akure has upheld the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, dismissing all petitions challenging his win in the November 16, 2024, governorship election. The three-member panel, led by Justice Benson Ogubu, ruled that the petitions lacked merit and failed to prove the alleged irregularities.
This verdict follows months of legal tussle led by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Agboola Ajayi, who alleged that the election was marred by widespread manipulation and procedural breaches. The tribunal, however, affirmed that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s election followed due process and reflected the will of the people.
Tribunal Dismisses Ajayi’s Petition Against Aiyedatiwa
Agboola Ajayi, who came second in the polls, had approached the tribunal to cancel the election. He insisted that the exercise was fraught with massive irregularities and should not be allowed to stand. His petition was joined by other political parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), and the African Alliance (AA), all seeking similar redress.
But after a detailed eight-hour judgment delivered on Wednesday, the tribunal dismissed all the petitions. The tribunal stated clearly that the petitioners failed to provide convincing evidence of electoral malpractice.
Aiyedatiwa’s Mandate Confirmed in Ondo
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who contested under the All Progressives Congress (APC), had earlier been declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He secured victory in all 18 local government areas, polling a total of 366,781 votes.
The tribunal’s decision now brings an end to the legal dispute, cementing Aiyedatiwa’s mandate and allowing his administration to focus on governance without further distraction.
With this ruling, the APC retains full control of Ondo State, while opposition parties must now regroup and prepare for future political battles.
Ondo Tribunal Upholds Aiyedatiwa’s Election Victory
With Wednesday’s ruling, the Ondo tribunal upheld Aiyedatiwa’s election victory, dismissing the petitions filed by Ajayi and others. The judgment confirms that Aiyedatiwa remains the duly elected governor of Ondo State, ending months of legal uncertainty and restoring political stability in the state.
