Gov Aiyedatiwa reacts as Tribunal upholds election victory

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has expressed satisfaction with the ruling of the Election Petition Tribunal, which on Wednesday, June 5, upheld his victory in the November 16, 2024, governorship election.

The tribunal, led by Justice Benson Ogbu, dismissed the petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Agboola Ajayi, citing lack of merit. The three-member panel affirmed that the election was conducted in substantial compliance with the law, reinforcing Aiyedatiwa’s legitimate mandate.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the verdict, Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that the judgment reaffirmed the will of the people and served as a strong message to political actors who attempt to win elections through legal shortcuts.

“Some political parties thought that they could steal the mandate through the back door, but today, the judiciary has confirmed the decision of the majority of indigenes and residents of Ondo State.

“So, I am delighted and happy; I, myself, my deputy and the chairman of our happy, we are grateful to God,” he said.

Therefore, the governor extended the hand of fellowship to the state’s opposition, stating that their ideas would contribute to the state’s development.

NAN also reports that the tribunal dismissed the petitions of Action Alliance(AA) and its candidate, Mr Abdullahi Olowokere, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Chief Bamidele Akingboye.

Others are the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and its candidate, Kolawole Ogunfeyimi, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its candidate, Mr Adeyemi Nejo.