In a dramatic twist in Ondo State politics, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the November 16, 2024 election, Agboola Ajayi, has officially withdrawn his appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the victory of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Naija News reports that Ajayi, who previously served as Deputy Governor under the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, was the major challenger in an election contested by 17 candidates.
In a letter dated September 16, 2025, addressed to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Ajayi confirmed the withdrawal, noting that the decision followed extensive consultations with his family, associates, party members, and legal team.
“After careful deliberation, we have reached a consensus that the appeal should be withdrawn, and I hereby so do. Having served as former Deputy Governor and legislator, my foremost commitment is to good governance and peaceful coexistence in Ondo State and Nigeria,” Ajayi wrote.
The PDP candidate also extended an olive branch to Governor Aiyedatiwa, stating:
“In this spirit, I extend my heartfelt wishes to His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as he leads our state, and I remain dedicated to contributing positively to the state and national development.”
A Political Truce in Ondo
Ajayi’s withdrawal is widely seen as a political truce, signaling stability in the state’s leadership. He pledged to support Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration in the interest of unity and development.
This move comes after the Akure Division of the Court of Appeal dismissed Ajayi’s case against Governor Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, citing lack of locus standi and describing the case as statute-barred.
The appellate court ruled that the matter arose on May 20, 2024, when the APC submitted its nomination forms, but Ajayi only filed his petition on June 7, outside the constitutional 14-day window. It further upheld the tribunal’s earlier judgment and imposed a ₦2 million cost against Ajayi in favor of each of the four respondents.
With this withdrawal, Ajayi has effectively ended his legal battle and paved the way for Aiyedatiwa’s administration to consolidate power without further judicial hurdles.
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