Gov Aiyedatiwa hails Tribunal victory as affirmation of people’s mandate

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has expressed joy and appreciation following the ruling of the Election Petition Tribunal, which on Wednesday, June 5, 2025, upheld his victory in the November 16, 2024, governorship election.

The tribunal, presided over by Justice Benson Ogbu, dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Agboola Ajayi, declaring it lacked merit.

In its judgment, the three-member panel held that the election was conducted in substantial compliance with the provisions of the law and thus affirmed Aiyedatiwa’s legitimate mandate.

Reacting to the verdict, Governor Aiyedatiwa described it as a victory for democracy and a clear reflection of the people’s will.

“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.