By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has recorded a sweeping legal victory as the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Akure upheld his election, dismissing all five petitions filed by opposition parties.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by the three-member panel led by Justice Imelda Etiape, with Justices Daurabu Sikkam and Benson Ogubu concurring, the Tribunal ruled that the petitions lacked merit, failed to substantiate claims of over-voting, irregularities or non-compliance with the Electoral Act, and could not challenge the legitimacy of the November 16, 2024 governorship poll.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Agboola Ajayi, alongside the Action Alliance (AA), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Action Democratic Congress (ADC), were all unsuccessful in their attempts to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.
The panel dismissed the quality of evidence presented by the petitioners, describing it as weak, speculative, and lacking credible documentation.
It affirmed that Governor Aiyedatiwa received the highest number of valid votes and that the election was conducted in substantial compliance with electoral laws.
The Tribunal held that witness testimonies offered by some parties were of no probative value, with written statements failing to disclose credible sources or material facts.
Reacting to the verdict, Governor Aiyedatiwa hailed the judiciary for standing firm in defence of democracy, describing the Tribunal’s ruling as a “welcome development” and a validation of the people’s mandate.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the judgment, the Governor said, “I give thanks 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 has now been validated by the tribunal.”
The Governor also expressed gratitude to his deputy, party members, and the leadership of the APC for their unwavering support throughout the legal battle.
When asked about the possibility of reconciliation, Aiyedatiwa extended an olive branch to the opposition, saying, “From the very day I was declared winner, I called on the opposition to join us in developing Ondo State. If they truly have the interest of the state at heart, they are welcome to bring their ideas forward so we can work together for the progress of our dear state.”
The ruling is seen as a significant boost for the APC in Ondo State as political activities gather momentum ahead of future contests.
Analysts believe the Tribunal’s decision has not only solidified Aiyedatiwa’s position within the party but also weakened the opposition’s footing.
Following the judgment, the Governor led a jubilant crowd of supporters from the State High Court to his campaign secretariat on Oyemekun Road in Akure, celebrating what many described as a hard-earned and well-deserved victory.
