PDP’s Agboola Ajayi has withdrawn his Supreme Court appeal challenging Governor Aiyedatiwa’s 2024 victory, signalling an end to Ondo State’s legal battle
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, has withdrawn his appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the re-election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 2024 Ondo State governorship election.
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Ajayi, who served as Deputy Governor under the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, confirmed the decision in a letter addressed to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court dated 16 September 2025.
“After careful deliberation, we have reached a consensus that the appeal should be withdrawn, and I hereby so do,” Ajayi stated in the letter.
He noted that consultations with family, political associates, legal advisers, and party stakeholders influenced the decision to halt the legal process.
Ajayi added:
“Having served as Deputy Governor and legislator, my foremost commitment is to good governance and peaceful coexistence in Ondo State and Nigeria.”
In a significant political shift, Ajayi pledged to support Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration, describing his withdrawal as a move toward peace, stability, and development in the state.
“I extend my heartfelt wishes to His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as he leads our state. I remain dedicated to contributing positively to the state and national development,” he said.
Ajayi’s initial suit had been dismissed by the Akure Division of the Court of Appeal, which upheld the earlier ruling of the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
The appellate court found that:
- Ajayi lacked locus standi to pursue the case.
- The petition was statute-barred, having been filed outside the constitutional 14-day window after the cause of action.
- The claim, based on name discrepancies in nomination forms submitted by the APC, was procedurally flawed.
The court also awarded N2 million in costs in favour of each of the four respondents, including Governor Aiyedatiwa and his Deputy, Olayide Adelami.
Observers say Ajayi’s withdrawal brings a close to one of Ondo State’s most intense post-election disputes in recent memory and strengthens Governor Aiyedatiwa’s political legitimacy ahead of his full four-year term.
Also read: Ondo Elders Predict Landslide Win for Tinubu in 2027 Presidential Election
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who consistently extended an “olive branch” to opposition candidates after the election, has called for unity and bipartisan cooperation in governance.
