Dare Babalola
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, has withdrawn his appeal at the Supreme Court challenging Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s victory.
Ajayi’s withdrawal letter to the Supreme Court’s Chief Registrar confirmed he had resolved to discontinue the case after consultations with family, associates, party members, and his legal team.
In the letter made available to journalists on Wednesday, Ajayi cited his commitment to good governance and peaceful coexistence as the reason for his decision.
He extended heartfelt wishes to Governor Aiyedatiwa and pledged support for his administration, signaling a major political truce in the state.
Ajayi, who served as Deputy Governor in the first term of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, was the main challenger to Governor Aiyedatiwa in the last governorship race that featured 16 other candidates.
The letter was titled, ‘RE: SC/CV/757/2025 – Mr Ajayi Alfred Agboola & Anor V. Independent National Electoral Commission & 3ORS.’
It read, “I am the ‘Appellant’ in the above appeal, and I write to inform you that I am aware of the appeal that has been filed on my behalf concerning the recent gubernatorial election in Ondo State.
“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 After careful deliberation, we have reached a consensus that the appeal should be withdrawn, and I’m signing this letter to do so.
“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.
“In this spirit, I extend my heartfelt wishes to His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Alyedatiwa as he leads our state, and I remain dedicated to contributing positively to the State and National development.
“Thank you for your understanding and attention to this matter. I trust that my position will be respectfully acknowledged.”
The Court of Appeal had previously dismissed Ajayi’s suit, stating he lacked the locus standi to pursue the matter and describing the case as statute-barred.
Governor Aiyedatiwa had repeatedly extended an ‘olive branch’ to the PDP’s Ajayi and other opposition parties’ candidates who contested against him in the last gubernatorial poll.
