The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure has affirmed the election of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, dismissing multiple appeals challenging the outcome of the November 16, 2024 Ondo State governorship election.
Delivering its judgment on Thursday, July 31, 2025, the appellate court upheld the earlier ruling of the Ondo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, which had on June 4, 2025, declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates validly elected.
Appeals filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied People’s Movement (APM), and Social Democratic Party (SDP) were all dismissed for lack of merit by the panel of three Justices—Justice Nimpar Yargata, Justice K.I. Amadi, and Justice I.M. Sani.
In their unanimous ruling, the Justices held that the appellants failed to substantiate allegations of non-compliance with the Electoral Act. The court noted that the petitioners neither presented credible witnesses nor demonstrated how alleged irregularities impacted results across polling units, wards, or local government areas.
The court further ruled that the appellants had effectively abandoned their cases, adding that the tribunal was right in its earlier decision. A cost of ₦1.5 million was awarded against the appellants.
Reacting to the ruling, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the judgment as a victory for democracy and the will of the people of Ondo State.
“This is a welcome development,” Aiyedatiwa said. “I give glory to Almighty God who orchestrated this journey and used the good people of Ondo State. Over 366,000 voters gave us their mandate on November 16 last year. That mandate was validated by the tribunal and has now been reaffirmed by the Court of Appeal.”
He commended the judiciary for what he termed a thorough and impartial review of the facts, and thanked his legal team, Deputy Governor Adelami, APC leaders, and supporters across the state for their unwavering support.
“The attempts to overturn the people’s mandate through the backdoor have failed. The judiciary has once again stood as a pillar of justice and democracy,” he added.
The ruling cements Aiyedatiwa’s status as the seventh democratically elected governor of Ondo State, following his victory at the polls and the subsequent legal battles that followed.
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