The Ondo State Election Petitions Tribunal has scheduled June 4, 2025, for its judgment on the various petitions challenging the outcome of the November 16, 2024, governorship election in the state.
The Tribunal, chaired by Justice Benson Ogbu, fixed the date following the formal adoption of written addresses by the petitioners and respondents. Other members of the Tribunal include Justices Daurabu Sikkam and Imelda Etiape.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). However, the result was contested by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, along with other opposition parties.
Through his legal team led by Ishaka Dikko, Hon. Ajayi filed a petition before the Tribunal, seeking to overturn Aiyedatiwa’s victory. The PDP’s counsel, Bankole Akomolafe, argued that the election was marred by substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act, and urged the Tribunal to invalidate the Certificate of Return issued to the APC candidate.
Other political parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), also filed petitions. Notably, SDP chieftain and 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, supported calls for the nullification of the election, citing widespread irregularities during the voting process.
In response, legal representatives for Governor Aiyedatiwa, his deputy Dr. Olayide Adelami, INEC, and other respondents—including Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) Chief Wole Olanipekun and Tayo Oyetibo—urged the Tribunal to dismiss the petitions. They argued that the claims of electoral malpractice were baseless and unsupported by credible witnesses or evidence.
Following the adoption of final written arguments by all parties, the Tribunal adjourned proceedings and set June 4 as the date to deliver its much-anticipated judgment on the contested election.