Supreme Court Dismisses Appeals Against Aiyedatiwa As PDP, SDP Withdraw Cases

The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal filed by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the November 16, 2024, election in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Ajayi, through his counsel, informed the apex court that the case was being withdrawn after due consultation with members of the PDP.

He extended best wishes to Governor Aiyedatiwa and pledged to continue to work for the development of Ondo State.

The five-member panel of justices, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, also dismissed the appeals filed by the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Bamidele Akingboye, and his Allied Peoples’ Movement, APM, counterpart, Ogunfeyimi Kolawole.

Counsel representing Akingboye and the SDP told the court that the decision to withdraw the appeal was informed by the death of the appellant. Counsel to the respondents did not oppose the withdrawal.

It would be recalled that the opposition parties had earlier approached the tribunal and the Court of Appeal in Akure, the state capital, challenging the election of Aiyedatiwa.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared Aiyedatiwa, candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, winner of the poll, stating that he won in all 18 local government areas of the state.

Aiyedatiwa polled 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival, Ajayi of the PDP.

Appeal Court, Tribunal Rulings

In July, the Court of Appeal affirmed the election of Aiyedatiwa, following earlier legal victories in his favour.

On June 4, 2025, the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal dismissed multiple petitions, including that of Ajayi, who alleged widespread irregularities in the election.

The tribunal, chaired by Justice Benson Ogubu, also struck out petitions filed by the SDP, African Democratic Congress, ADC, Allied Peoples’ Movement, APM, and African Alliance, AA, thereby affirming Aiyedatiwa’s mandate.

Similarly, on March 11, 2025, the Supreme Court dismissed a separate appeal filed by Ajayi challenging Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy.

The court held that the case was filed out of time, adding that Ajayi, not being a member of the APC, lacked the locus standi to question the internal affairs of the party, including the qualifications of Aiyedatiwa’s running mate.