The Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Akure, is poised to deliver its much-anticipated judgment on the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Agboola Ajayi, challenging the outcome of the November 16, 2024, governorship election.
The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Benson Ogubu, has been reviewing evidence and testimonies since the conclusion of the contentious poll, which saw Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) declared the winner. Aiyedatiwa clinched victory across all 18 local government areas, securing a total of 366,781 votes to defeat his rivals.
Dissatisfied with the result, Agboola Ajayi and the PDP approached the tribunal, alleging widespread irregularities, electoral malpractices, and substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act. The party is seeking the cancellation of the election and, potentially, a rerun.
In addition to Ajayi’s petition, other political parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), and African Alliance (AA), also lodged complaints, contesting the legitimacy of the electoral process.
The tribunal’s verdict is expected to shape the political climate in Ondo State and could have wider implications for future elections in the region.
