The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure on Thursday affirmed the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, as duly elected leaders of Ondo State.
The appellate court dismissed the appeals filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), challenging the June 4, 2025, judgment of the Ondo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, which upheld the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s victory in the November 16, 2024, governorship election.
A three-member panel of justices — Nimpar Yargata, K.I. Amadi, and I.M. Sani — unanimously ruled that the petitions lacked merit and failed to substantiate claims of non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Yargata held that the appellants failed to prove their allegations of electoral irregularities, adding that no credible evidence or witnesses were presented at the tribunal to show how the alleged infractions affected the election outcome in any polling units, wards, or local government areas.
The court subsequently affirmed Aiyedatiwa and Adelami as the duly elected Governor and Deputy Governor of Ondo State and awarded costs of N1.5 million against each of the appellants.
Reacting to the judgment, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the ruling as a welcome development and expressed gratitude to God and the people of Ondo State.
“I give glory to Almighty God who orchestrated this journey from the beginning and used the good people of Ondo State. Over 366,000 residents gave us their mandate on November 16 last year to continue governing this state as the seventh democratically elected governor,” he said.
“That mandate was validated by the tribunal and has now been reaffirmed by the Appeal Court. While some political parties tried to overturn the people’s decision through the backdoor, the judiciary has fulfilled its role by upholding the choice made by the majority of voters across the 18 local government areas of the state.”
Aiyedatiwa also appreciated his deputy, legal team, APC leaders, and party members for their steadfast support.
Culled: THE WILL