Ajayi to Appeal Court Ruling on Aiyedatiwa, Adelami’s Candidacy

Agboola Ajayi, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, has announced plans to appeal the recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Akure. The court had dismissed his suit challenging the candidatures of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, for allegedly using false documents in their nomination.

Ajayi, represented by his counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) M. Ndoka, argued that the APC candidates were ineligible to contest in the November 16 governorship election. He sought the disqualification of both Aiyedatiwa and Adelami, alleging irregularities in their nomination process. Initially filed in Abuja, the case was transferred to the Akure Division for further proceedings.

Justice Toyin Adegoke, who delivered the judgement, ruled that Ajayi lacked the legal standing to challenge the candidates’ eligibility, citing his non-participation in the APC’s primary election. The judge also pointed out that the suit was filed four days after the deadline set by the Electoral Act, rendering the case statute-barred.

Ajayi’s team expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, stressing that the judge failed to address the substantive issues of the case. According to Mr. Ayo Fadaka, Special Adviser on Media to the Ajayi Campaign, the legal team is determined to challenge the decision in a higher court.

Meanwhile, the PDP has refrained from making detailed comments on the matter until they receive the certified true copy of the judgment. Party spokesperson Kennedy Peretei confirmed that they are awaiting the official document before issuing a comprehensive statement.