The long-running legal battle over the 2024 Ondo State governorship election took a dramatic turn on Tuesday, as former Deputy Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Ajayi Agboola, formally withdrew his appeal against the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and dated 16 September, Mr Agboola announced his decision to discontinue the case, which was before the Supreme Court. The suit is marked SC/CV/757/2025 – Ajayi Alfred Agboola & Anor v. Independent National Electoral Commission & 3 Ors.
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The PDP candidate explained that the move followed extensive consultations with his family, political associates, and legal team.
“As the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, I have engaged in thoughtful discussions with my family, party members, associates, and legal advisors. After careful deliberation, we have reached a consensus that the appeal should be withdrawn and I’m by this letter so do,” he said.
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Mr Agboola’s withdrawal marks a significant shift in what had been a keenly contested election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Mr Aiyedatiwa, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the winner of the election.
The PDP and other opposition parties alleged irregularities, prompting multiple petitions.
The former deputy governor who served under late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from 2017 to 2021, before a political fallout that led him to defect from the APC to the PDP, noted that his decision to withdraw the legal challenge was rooted in his commitment to peace and good governance.
“Having served as the former Deputy Governor and as a representative of my constituents at the national level, my foremost commitment is to the principles of good governance and the promotion of peaceful coexistence in Ondo State and across Nigeria,” he stated.
Mr Agboola went further to congratulate Governor Aiyedatiwa, extending what many observers see as an olive branch.
“I extend my heartfelt wishes to His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as he leads our state, and I remain dedicated to contributing positively to the State and National development,” he added.
Ondo governorship election
It will be recalled that Mr Agboola , who came second in the 2024 governorship poll, had challenged the outcome of the election after INEC declared Mr Aiyedatiwa winner with 366,781 votes against his 117,845 votes.
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PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Agboola’s legal team filed a petition before the Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal, just 24 days after the election. He pursued the case through the tribunal and the Court of Appeal, both of which dismissed his petition, before finally approaching the Supreme Court.
With the latest withdrawal, the legal battle over the 2024 Ondo governorship election has come to a close.
Reacting to the development, the Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, praised Mr Agboola’s decision and the PDP, describing it as both patriotic and statesmanlike, Daily Post reported.
“I commend this patriotic gesture and place on record our appreciation for the maturity, statesmanship, and commitment to peace displayed by Hon. Agboola Ajayi. By choosing to prioritize the greater good of Ondo State, he has reinforced his devotion to the principles of good governance, unity, and collective progress.” the statement read.
