The Court of Appeal in Akure has affirmed the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, dismissing appeals filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and three other opposition parties for lack of merit.
In a unanimous judgment, Justices Nimpar Yargata, K.I. Amadi, and I.M. Sani upheld the June 4, 2025 decision of the Ondo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, which validated the All Progressives Congress (APC) victory in the November 16, 2024 governorship election.
The PDP, along with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied People’s Movement (APM), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), had sought to nullify the poll, citing alleged irregularities and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
However, the appellate court ruled that the petitioners failed to provide credible evidence and could not demonstrate how the alleged infractions affected the election outcome.
The justices also noted that the appellants effectively abandoned their case by failing to call reliable witnesses during the tribunal proceedings.
The appeals were dismissed, and the court awarded ₦1.5 million in costs against the opposition parties.
Reacting to the verdict, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the judgment as a “welcome development”, expressing gratitude to the people of Ondo State, the judiciary, his legal team, and APC supporters across the state.
