The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has dismissed all petitions filed against the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the November 16, 2024 governorship election.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by the three-member panel, Justices Imelda Etiape, Daurabu Sikkam, and Benson Ogubu, the tribunal rejected the petitions brought by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied People’s Movement (APM), and Action Alliance (AA).
The suits, which had challenged the legitimacy of Aiyedatiwa, his deputy Dr. Olayide Adelami, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were found to be without merit.
The tribunal struck out all claims, including the PDP’s allegation that Deputy Governor Adelami submitted a forged WAEC certificate.
The panel ruled that the issue had already been addressed in previous court proceedings and was a pre-election matter, not within the scope of an election petition.
On complaints regarding electoral malpractice, such as over-voting and result sheets missing serial numbers, the tribunal concluded that petitioners failed to supply credible evidence to back their claims.
The court also held that the Action Alliance lacked the locus standi (legal standing) to challenge the outcome, having failed to field a candidate in the election.
In dismissing the cases brought by the APM and SDP, the tribunal found them to be entirely unsupported by evidence.
The SDP’s petition, in particular, was described as “baseless and a waste of judicial time.”
Present in court, Governor Aiyedatiwa welcomed the ruling with gratitude and called for unity among political stakeholders in the state. He said:
“We have always extended a hand to the opposition. Their ideas are welcome if aimed at developing the state.”
He dedicated the victory to the people of Ondo State and thanked them for their continued trust and support.
Meanwhile, PDP Secretary Oluseye Olujimi responded to the verdict by affirming respect for the court but hinted at a possible appeal:
“We respect the tribunal’s decision but reserve the right to appeal after reviewing the judgment.”
On the other hand, APC State Chairman Engineer Ade Adetimehin congratulated the governor and urged opposition parties to shift focus from court battles to collaboration:
“They should] support efforts to advance the state’s development rather than pursue further litigation.”
