I will Challenge Ondo Guber Tribunal Verdict at Appeal Court, Vows PDP’s Ajayi

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2024 Ondo State election, Agboola Ajayi, has rejected the ruling of the Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal, vowing to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal.

Ajayi, who addressed newsmen in Akure on Monday, described the tribunal’s verdict as unsatisfactory, alleging that the panel failed to properly evaluate critical evidence presented before it. He expressed confidence that justice would be served at the appellate court.

The three-member tribunal, chaired by Justice Benson Ogubu, had on June 4, 2025, dismissed all petitions challenging the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 16, 2024, governorship election.

The tribunal upheld Aiyedatiwa’s election and described the petitions by the PDP, SDP, ADC, APM, AA, and others as “worthless and unmeritorious.”

Reacting to the decision, Ajayi maintained that the judgment did not reflect the facts and merits of the case. He accused the APC and Governor Aiyedatiwa of having “foreknowledge” of the ruling, claiming that APC supporters arrived at the tribunal in a celebratory mood even before the judgment was delivered.

“We are deeply concerned about the glaring inconsistencies and the tribunal’s refusal to engage with the substance of our petition. The conduct of the ruling suggests there is more to this than meets the eye,” he said.

Ajayi assured his supporters that the PDP remains committed to pursuing its mandate through all lawful means and reaffirmed the party’s belief in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

The legal battle is expected to move to the Court of Appeal in the coming days, where Ajayi and the PDP will formally file a notice of appeal.

Legal observers say the appellate court will review the tribunal’s interpretation of evidence and procedural rulings, which could shape the outcome of the case.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who has since resumed full governance duties, is yet to respond directly to the appeal announcement.

However, APC leaders have urged the opposition to accept the verdict and support the government’s development agenda for Ondo State.