Court Confirms Aiyedatiwa’s Win, Blasts Opposition for Weak Evidence
The Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal has confirmed the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, affirming his victory in the November 16, 2024, governorship poll. The tribunal dismissed the petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and four other parties, ruling that the election was free and fair.
Delivering its unanimous judgment on Wednesday evening, the three-man panel led by Justice Benson Ogbu declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate lawfully secured 366,781 votes to win the governorship race.
The petitioners—including the PDP, Social Democratic Party (SDP), Action Alliance (AA), Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), and African Democratic Congress (ADC)—had accused the electoral process of being tainted by over-voting, multiple thumb-printing, and failure of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
However, the tribunal found the allegations baseless. “The claims were unsubstantiated and lacked the weight needed to invalidate the election,” Justice Ogbu ruled. “No compelling evidence was presented to support the accusations.”
Specifically, the panel said the PDP and its candidate, Agboola Ajayi, failed to demonstrate that the alleged irregularities affected the outcome. “You cannot claim non-compliance with the law without solid proof,” the tribunal stated.
Following the judgment, PDP counsel Olujimi Oluseye expressed disappointment but indicated the party might appeal. “We’ll review the judgment thoroughly before taking further steps,” he said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa welcomed the decision with gratitude. “I thank God and the people of Ondo for standing by us. This victory is not just legal—it’s a reaffirmation of the people’s will,” he said.
Calling for unity, Aiyedatiwa extended a hand to his political opponents. “We must now set politics aside. I invite all stakeholders to join my administration in building a better Ondo State.”
