Supreme Court Dismisses PDP’s Appeal Against Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa

The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, challenging the eligibility of Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to contest the November 16, 2024, gubernatorial election.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Garba Lawal upheld the rulings of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, declaring the appeal baseless, frivolous, and lacking merit.

Ajayi had sought to nullify Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy, alleging that his deputy, Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami, committed forgery and impersonation by altering his middle name from “Jackson” to “Owolabi” without proper documentation.

The Federal High Court initially dismissed the suit on December 2, 2024, citing insufficient evidence and procedural errors. 

The Court of Appeal later upheld this decision on January 18, 2025, imposing a ₦500,000 fine on Ajayi.

In its final ruling, the Supreme Court agreed that the case was statute-barred, as it was filed after the 14-day legal window for election disputes had elapsed. 

The court also ruled that Ajayi and the PDP lacked the legal standing (locus standi) to challenge Adelami’s eligibility.

As a result, the apex court dismissed the appeal and ordered Ajayi and the PDP to pay ₦2 million each to the four respondents.

Reacting to the judgment, Ondo State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), described the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. 

He emphasized that election disputes should be based on concrete evidence rather than technicalities and commended the judiciary for upholding justice and due process.

With this ruling, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy stands affirmed, bringing an end to the legal battle over the Ondo governorship election.