Aiyedatiwa
The Court of Appeal in Akure has affirmed Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s election as the Governor of Ondo State. The court’s decision dismissed all appeals filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), describing them as lacking merit.
Aiyedatiwa, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), won the November 16, 2024, governorship poll with 366,781 votes, defeating his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the PDP, who polled 117,845 votes. The APC candidate won in all 18 local government areas of the state with a wide margin.
The appellate court held that the parties could not show how alleged irregularities affected the outcome of the election in various polling units, wards, and local government areas. The court also noted that the appellants failed to present credible witnesses during the tribunal proceedings to substantiate their claims of widespread malpractice.
Reacting to the ruling, Governor Aiyedatiwa praised the appellate court justices for their thorough review and detailed judgment. He thanked his deputy, legal team, APC leaders, and party members for their support throughout the legal challenge. Aiyedatiwa described the verdict as a welcome development of and praised the judiciary for upholding the people’s decision .
The court awarded costs of ₦1.5 million against the appellants and unanimously dismissed the appeals filed by the PDP, ADC, APM, and SDP against the June 4, 2025, judgment of the Ondo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, which had upheld the victory of the APC in the November 16, 2024, governorship election .
Aiyedatiwa won with 366,781 votes, while Agboola Ajayi scored 117,845 votes.The Appeal Court dismissed all appeals, upholding the tribunal’s earlier judgment.,Governor Aiyedatiwa praised the appellate court justices and thanked his supporters for their steadfast backing .
