The Federal Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, has upheld the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, in the November 16, 2024, governorship election in the state.
The court’s decision affirmed Governor Aiyedatiwa’s mandate as the duly elected Governor of Ondo State.
Aiyedatiwa, who contested under the APC, was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after securing 366,781 votes and winning across all 18 local government areas in the state.
His closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenged the outcome of the election, alleging widespread irregularities.
However, on June 4, 2025, the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal dismissed Ajayi’s petition, affirming Aiyedatiwa’s mandate.
The tribunal, chaired by Justice Benson Ogubu, also struck out similar petitions from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), and African Alliance (AA).
Prior to the tribunal’s decision, the Supreme Court had on March 11, 2025, dismissed a separate appeal filed by Ajayi challenging Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy.
The apex court ruled that the case was filed out of time and that Ajayi, not being a member of the APC, lacked the legal standing to contest the internal affairs of the party, including the qualifications of Aiyedatiwa’s running mate.
With the Court of Appeal’s decision, Aiyedatiwa’s election as Governor of Ondo State has been further legitimised, bringing an end to the legal challenges against his mandate.
The ruling solidifies Aiyedatiwa’s position as the Governor of Ondo State, allowing him to continue his governance agenda without further interruptions.
