Agboola Ajayi withdraws Ondo election appeal and pledges support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, sealing peace in Ondo politics after tense disputes.
The long-running legal tussle over the November 2024 governorship election in Ondo State has finally come to an end with the Ondo election appeal formally withdrawn by Agboola Ajayi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate.
His decision not only halts the Supreme Court proceedings against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) but also signals a significant political reconciliation in the state.
Agboola Ajayi, who once served as Deputy Governor during the first term of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, was the major challenger in a hotly contested race that saw 17 candidates battle for Ondo’s top seat.
Though he lost at the polls, Ajayi pursued his case through the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal before reaching the Supreme Court stage.
In a letter dated September 16, 2025, and addressed to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Ajayi confirmed his decision to step back.
He disclosed that although the Ondo election appeal had been filed on his behalf, consultations with family members, political allies, his legal team, and PDP stakeholders convinced him to discontinue the matter.
“After careful deliberation, we have reached a consensus that the appeal should be withdrawn, and I hereby so do. Having served as a former Deputy Governor and legislator, my foremost commitment remains good governance and peaceful coexistence in Ondo State and Nigeria.
“In this spirit, 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,” Ajayi declared.
The withdrawal of the Ondo election appeal has been described as a major turning point in the state’s politics.
By choosing reconciliation over prolonged litigation, Ajayi has effectively reduced political tension and paved the way for greater collaboration across party lines.
Political observers say this move elevates Ajayi’s image as a statesman who puts the interest of the people above personal ambition. It also gives Governor Aiyedatiwa the opportunity to consolidate his mandate without the constant distraction of court cases.
Ajayi’s case had earlier suffered a major setback at the Akure Division of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed his petition challenging Governor Aiyedatiwa and his Deputy, Olayide Adelami, over alleged name discrepancies.
The court ruled that Ajayi lacked the legal standing to pursue the matter and further held that his case was statute-barred.
The judgment explained that the cause of action arose on May 20, 2024, when the APC candidate submitted nomination forms to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). However, Ajayi filed his case on June 7—outside the 14-day constitutional window for pre-election suits.
Consequently, the appellate court upheld the decision of the Election Petition Tribunal, dismissed Ajayi’s petition, and ordered him to pay N2 million in costs to each of the four respondents.
Since winning the election, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had consistently extended an olive branch to his rivals, urging them to join hands with his administration to build a better Ondo State.
With Ajayi’s withdrawal of the Ondo election appeal, the governor’s calls for reconciliation appear to have finally yielded results.
Analysts believe this newfound peace could help Aiyedatiwa deliver more inclusive governance, strengthen his administration, and expand his support base across the state’s political divides.
The conclusion of the Ondo election appeal carries broader implications for Nigeria’s democracy.
Ajayi’s decision underscores the importance of political compromise and prioritizing stability over endless litigation.
At a time when electoral disputes dominate Nigeria’s political landscape, Ajayi’s action stands out as a reminder that not every contest must be fought to the last gavel in court.
It demonstrates that opposition figures can choose dialogue and cooperation without losing political relevance.
The development also emphasizes the need for politicians to respect constitutional timelines.
Courts have consistently ruled that pre-election matters must be filed within 14 days, yet many aspirants still miss this deadline. Ajayi’s case reinforces that delays can render even the strongest cases void.
While members of the PDP expressed disappointment over Ajayi’s decision to drop the appeal, some admitted that the legal road had become increasingly difficult given the previous court rulings.
On the other hand, APC members and Governor Aiyedatiwa’s supporters welcomed the news, describing it as a final endorsement of their candidate’s mandate.
Civil society organizations and democracy advocates have also commended Ajayi for his decision, noting that it spares the state prolonged distractions and opens the way for better governance.
With the Ondo election appeal settled, attention now shifts to governance. Governor Aiyedatiwa is expected to consolidate his administration and focus on key areas such as infrastructure, job creation, education, and healthcare delivery.
For Ajayi, the road ahead is less clear. Having shown statesmanship by withdrawing his appeal, he may choose to remain active in politics, perhaps repositioning himself for future contests, or he may take on the role of an elder statesman, contributing from outside elective office.
Either way, Ajayi’s decision has reshaped Ondo’s political dynamics and earned him recognition for prioritizing peace over personal pursuit.
The Ondo election appeal withdrawal by Agboola Ajayi marks the closure of one of the most hotly contested political battles in the state’s history.
It consolidates Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s mandate and sets the stage for a more stable political environment in Ondo.
Ultimately, this episode reinforces a critical message for Nigerian democracy: governance thrives when politicians place the public interest above personal ambition, and when reconciliation replaces rivalry in the service of the people.
About The Author
