The Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Akure, has affirmed the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, dismissing multiple petitions challenging his victory in the November 16, 2024, governorship poll.
In a judgment delivered on Wednesday that lasted over eight hours, the three-member panel, led by Justice Benson Ogubu, struck out the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Agboola Ajayi. Ajayi had alleged widespread electoral irregularities and sought the cancellation of the poll results.
The tribunal also threw out similar petitions filed by other political parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), and African Alliance (AA). All had contested the credibility and outcome of the election, citing various electoral infractions.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who contested under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after securing a decisive victory across all 18 local government areas of the state. He polled a total of 366,781 votes, defeating his closest rival, Ajayi of the PDP, and other contenders.
With this ruling, the tribunal has effectively put to rest all legal battles surrounding the 2024 Ondo State governorship election, reaffirming Aiyedatiwa’s mandate to lead the state.
