The Supreme Court has put an end to the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) challenge against the candidacy of Lucky
Aiyedatiwa, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State. The five-member panel,
presided over by Justice Mohammed Garba, unanimously dismissed the appeal filed by the PDP and its candidate,
Agboola Ajayi.
The appeal had challenged the competence of the joint ticket of Aiyedatiwa and his running mate, Olayide Adelami, in
the last governorship election in Ondo State. However, the Supreme Court held that the appeal was without merit and
that the appellants lacked the locus standi to query Adelami’s nomination.
The court’s decision is a significant victory for Aiyedatiwa and the APC, as it puts an end to the prolonged legal battle
over the governorship seat. The PDP had alleged that Adelami was not qualified to contest the election due to an
alleged forged certificate.
However, the Supreme Court‘s judgment has now laid the matter to rest, affirming Aiyedatiwa’s victory in the
governorship election. The court also awarded a cost of N8 million against the PDP and Ajayi, at N2 million each for
the four respondents.
The respondents include Adelami, Aiyedatiwa, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The judgment is a significant blow to the PDP’s hopes of reclaiming the governorship seat in Ondo State.
The PDP had argued that Adelami’s nomination was invalid due to the alleged forged certificate. However, the
Supreme Court’s judgment has now validated Adelami’s nomination and Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy.
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The APC has welcomed the judgment, hailing it as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. The party has also
commended the Supreme Court for its courage and integrity in delivering the judgment.
The judgment is also seen as a significant milestone in the country’s electoral process, as it underscores the
importance of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
The PDP, on the other hand, has expressed disappointment over the judgment, but has vowed to continue to pursue
its case through other legal means.
As the dust settles on the judgment, it is clear that Aiyedatiwa’s victory in the governorship election has been
validated, and the APC has emerged victorious in the prolonged legal battle.
