Ondo Election Tribunal Upholds Aiyedatiwa’s Victory
The Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has affirmed the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the November 16, 2024, gubernatorial election, dismissing petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and other opposition parties.
Presided over by Justice Benson Ogubu, the tribunal declared the petitions from PDP, SDP, Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Alliance (AA), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) as “worthless and unmeritorious.”
The PDP’s challenge centered on allegations of forgery against Aiyedatiwa’s deputy governor candidate’s West African Examinations Council (WAEC) certificate.
The tribunal struck down this claim, stating the issue had been previously adjudicated by the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court, rendering it inadmissible in the election petition.
Moreover, the PDP alleged widespread violations of the Electoral Act, including improper completion of Form EC25B in 97% of polling units. However, the tribunal found these claims unsupported due to lack of credible evidence.
Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the people of Ondo State for their support and reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance. He also extended an invitation to opposition parties to work together for the development of the state.
The tribunal’s ruling effectively ends the legal disputes surrounding the 2024 Ondo governorship election and solidifies Aiyedatiwa’s position as the duly elected governor.
