The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2024 Ondo State governorship election, Chief Ajayi Alfred Agboola, has officially withdrawn his appeal at the Supreme Court regarding the emergence of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Agboola confirmed his awareness of the appeal filed on his behalf concerning the election outcome.
However, he stated that after thorough consultations with his family, party members, associates, and legal advisors, a consensus was reached to withdraw the case.
“As the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, I have engaged in thoughtful discussions with my family, party members, associates, and legal advisors. After careful deliberation, we have reached a consensus that the appeal should be withdrawn, and I am by this letter so do,” Agboola wrote.
Ajayi, a former deputy governor of the state, formally accepted defeat by extending his congratulations to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa following a contentious legal battle. He pledged his support for the state’s leadership, affirming his commitment to positively contributing to the development of Ondo State and the nation.
The withdrawal effectively concludes the legal tussle over the gubernatorial election, signaling a move towards political stability and unity in the state.
“Having served as the former Deputy Governor and as a representative of my constituents at the national level, my foremost commitment is to the principles of good governance and the promotion of peaceful coexistence in Ondo State and across Nigeria,” he stated.
“In this spirit, I extend my heartfelt wishes to His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as he leads our state, and I remain dedicated to contributing positively to the State and National development.”
In March, the Supreme Court dismissed the legal challenge filed by Ajayi.
He had sought to nullify the election of Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami over alleged discrepancies related to his name change, while also questioning the legitimacy of Governor Aiyedatiwa and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The court held that the appellants lacked the legal standing (locus standi) to pursue the case, rendering the appeal unsustainable. It also ruled that the case was statute-barred, affirming the decisions of the lower courts.
The court noted that the cause of action arose on May 20, 2024, when the nomination forms were submitted to INEC, while the suit was filed at the Federal High Court on June 7, 2024, exceeding the 14-day limit prescribed by law.
Consequently, the court dismissed the case and ordered Ajayi to pay N2 million in costs to each of the four respondents.
Ajayi claimed that Adelami, who previously used “Jackson” as his middle name in secondary school, had changed it to “Owolabi” without proper documentation.
However, the Supreme Court ruled that properly documented name changes do not constitute electoral fraud or grounds for disqualification, thereby rejecting Ajayi’s argument.
