Appeal Court Affirms Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s Ondo Election Victory
The Federal Court of Appeal sitting in Akure has formally upheld the election of Lucky Aiyedatiwa as Governor of Ondo State, affirming the lower tribunal’s ruling and dashing hopes of political parties that challenged the result.
On June 4, 2025, the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal dismissed petitions from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Allied People’s Movement (APM), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Action Alliance (AA), citing lack of evidence to substantiate claims of over-voting, certificate forgery, and contravention of the Electoral Act.
The appellants elevated their grievances to the Appeal Court, where a panel of three Justices led by Justice Nimpar Yargata, with Justices K. I. Amadi and I. M. Sani, examined the case.
In a unanimous judgment delivered on July 31, 2025, the panel struck out all appeals, finding them devoid of substantive merit. The court emphasised that the petitioners failed to prove how alleged irregularities materially affected results at polling units, wards, or local government levels. Furthermore, the absence of credible witnesses at tribunal proceedings significantly weakened their petitions.
The Justices also noted that the Action Alliance lacked locus standi, while the claims from APM and SDP were speculative and unsupported by evidence. Costs of ₦1.5 million were awarded against the appellants for pursuing baseless litigation.
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Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa hailed the judgment as a reaffirmation of the people’s will. He stated:
“I give glory to Almighty God who orchestrated this journey from the beginning and used the good people of Ondo State. Over 366,000 residents gave us their mandate on November 16 last year to continue governing this state as the seventh democratically elected governor.”
He went on to note that the mandate had first been validated by the tribunal and now reinforced by the Court of Appeal. He added:
“While some political parties tried to overturn the people’s decision through the back door, the judiciary has fulfilled its role by upholding the choice made by the majority of voters across the 18 local government areas of the state.”
Lucky Aiyedatiwa also expressed gratitude to his deputy, legal team, APC leaders, and the entire electorate for their unwavering support.
Governor Aiyedatiwa first assumed office in December 2023, following the demise of his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu. He contested the November 16, 2024 governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and secured 366,781 votes, representing 72.06% of all valid ballots cast. His nearest rival, PDP’s Agboola Ajayi, garnered 117,845 votes (23.15%).
The ruling underlines the judiciary’s insistence on strict evidence standards in electoral disputes claims must be grounded in verified facts rather than conjecture.
With both the tribunal and appellate courts affirming the result, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s mandate stands legally robust and politically unassailable.
The Appeal Court’s decision brings finality to a turbulent electoral chapter in Ondo State. As Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa continues his tenure, the resolution reinforces confidence in Nigeria’s judicial process and reaffirms the electorate’s voice. In his words via Daily Post NigeriaBusinessday NG
“This outcome is not just my victory, it is the affirmation of the people’s choice throughout all 18 local government areas.”
The Appeal Court’s affirmation of Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s election, overturning multiple challenge petitions, not only underscores Nigeria’s respect for due legal process but also cements Aiyedatiwa’s legitimacy as he pursues his governorship agenda for Ondo State.
