Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described his victory at the Court of Appeal as a reaffirmation of the mandate freely given to him by the people during the November 16, 2024, governorship election.
On Thursday, the Akure Division of the Court of Appeal upheld the earlier decision of the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, affirming Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olaide Adelami, as the duly elected candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The three-member panel, comprising Justices Nimpar Yargata, K.I. Amadi and I.M. Sani unanimously dismissed appeals filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Agboola Ajayi, alongside others from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied People’s Movement (APM), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The appellants had sought the nullification of the election, alleging widespread irregularities. However, the court ruled that the petitions were without merit, noting that the parties failed to provide credible evidence or witnesses to back their claims of electoral malpractice.
Speaking after the judgment, Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the judiciary and described the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.
“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.
“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 back door, 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,” the governor said.
He also commended his deputy, the legal team, and the leaders of the APC for their unwavering support throughout the legal process.
“This victory is not just mine. It belongs to every son and daughter of Ondo State who stood firm for democracy,” the governor added.