The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its Ondo State governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, will appeal the state tribunal’s June 4 ruling that upheld the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. They said they will challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal.
The trio-led tribunal dismissed petitions by the PDP and four other parties. It ruled that petitioners failed to prove claims of overvoting, vote buying, and irregularities during the November 16, 2024 election.
Ajayi released a statement in Akure on Tuesday. He said his review of the tribunal’s ruling exposed “glaring inconsistencies” in how evidence and exhibits were handled. He added that the judges “did not accord proper analysis to details of the evidence and exhibits submitted to the Tribunal while it sat.”
He expressed disappointment over the decision but said he and the PDP remain determined. He stressed that “electoral laws are not mere decorations—they must be obeyed.” He promised they will “leave no stone unturned in seeking redress.”
Ajayi raised concerns about APC supporters who, he said, arrived in court that day in a celebratory mood. He said this attitude suggested prior knowledge of the verdict. He urged PDP members and supporters not to be disheartened, stating “justice shall reign in our state and nation.”
He said their appeal would proceed despite current judicial challenges in Nigeria and as the country prepares for Democracy Day on June 12.
APC Hails Ruling, Urges PDP to Apologise to Judiciary
Ondo APC welcomed the tribunal verdict as a strong affirmation of democracy and rule of law. Their spokesman, Steve Otaloro, said the result shows political parties cannot overturn the will of voters via court if they lack genuine support.
Otaloro described Ajayi’s claim about APC foreknowledge as “an unfortunate comment that serves as an unwarranted assault on the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system.” He said the PDP should apologise to the judiciary and the people of Ondo State.
He argued the PDP’s reaction stemmed from frustration over losing all 18 local government areas, including Ajayi’s home base. He added that the PDP’s preemptive criticism of the court only aims to intimidate the process and will not succeed.
Recall The 2024 Election Results
In the November 16, 2024 contest, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC won with 366,781 votes or 72.06%. Ajayi, running for the PDP, earned 117,845 votes, or 23.15%. Aiyedatiwa had succeeded Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who died in December 2023.
Ajayi resigned as deputy governor and switched from the APC to PDP before the election. His petition included claims of irregularities and questioned the validity of the APC running mate’s WAEC certificate, citing inconsistent names.
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