Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has strongly defended his right to contest for a second term as Ondo State Governor in the 2028 governorship election, amid ongoing legal debates over his eligibility.
Speaking to journalists at the Government House in Akure on Friday, Aiyedatiwa questioned the timing and motive of legal challenges filed against him, pointing out that he has not yet completed a full year in office. He emphasized that, as a sitting governor, he enjoys constitutional immunity from court cases.
“I was sworn in a month after my election, and suddenly, a case is filed over something that is futuristic. Where is that happening?” he asked. He stressed that discussions about his candidacy are premature, noting that he has not officially declared his intention to run, and that the election process is governed by party timetables and electoral guidelines.
Aiyedatiwa described the ongoing legal disputes as driven by “selfish interests” and said any court action should follow an official declaration of candidacy. Confident in the law, he added that different legal experts have varied interpretations of Section 137(3) of the Constitution regarding whether completing a partial term counts as a full term.
He elaborated that some legal opinions suggest that the constitutional restriction applies to being elected more than twice, rather than the number of times one takes the oath of office, particularly in cases where a governor assumes office to complete an unexpired term.
Since his initial swearing-in in December 2023 after the passing of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, followed by his election victory in February 2025, Aiyedatiwa’s tenure has generated debates over whether he can seek another term.
Starnews NG notes that Dr. Akin Egbuwalo, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, had filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Akure to seek clarification on Aiyedatiwa’s eligibility. The judgment, initially scheduled for January 28, 2026, was stayed by the Court of Appeal pending the resolution of an appeal.
Aiyedatiwa remains firm that legal challenges will not hinder his governance or future political plans, confident that the courts will ultimately clarify the matter.
