Agboola Ajayi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the November 16, 2024 Ondo State election, has withdrawn his appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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.
In a letter to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, the PDP flag bearer confirmed that although an appeal had been filed on his behalf, he had resolved- after consultations with family, associates, party members and legal team – to discontinue the case.
“After careful deliberation, we have reached a consensus that the appeal should be withdrawn, and I hereby so do. Having served as former Deputy Governor and legislator, my foremost commitment is to 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 stated in the copy of the letter dated September 16, 2025.
The PDP candidate also pledged support for Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration, signalling a major political truce in the state.
The Akure Division of the Court of Appeal had dismissed Ajayi’s suit challenging Aiyedatiwa’s re-election, as well as that of Deputy Governor Olayide Owolabi Adelami, over alleged name discrepancies.
The appellate court ruled that Mr Ajayi lacked the locus standi to pursue the matter, describing the case as statute-barred.
It also held that the cause of action arose on May 20, 2024, when the APC candidate submitted their nomination forms to INEC, but the suit was not filed until June 7, outside the 14-day constitutional window.
The court upheld the earlier decision of the Election Petition Tribunal, dismissed the appeal, and awarded N2 million in costs against Mr Ajayi in favour of each of the four respondents.
With withdrawal, the legal tussle over the 2024 governorship election in the state appears settled, consolidating Governor Aiyedatiwa’s mandate.
Analysts have also said the withdrawal marks the end of one of the most keenly contested post-election disputes in recent history in the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa had repeatedly extended an ‘olive branch’ to the PDP’s Ajayi and other opposition parties candidates who contested against him in theast guber poll.
