Governor Aiyedatiwa downplays court verdict on eligibility for fresh term

The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has dismissed a ruling by a Federal High Court barring him from seeking another term in office, describing the judgment as premature and unnecessary.

A Federal High Court sitting in Akure had on Thursday ruled that Aiyedatiwa should not contest another governorship election in 2028.

Reacting during a live interview on Channels Television on Friday, the governor said the ruling was an unnecessary distraction, stressing that he had never declared interest in contesting another governorship election.

“I would like to start with just clarifying a bit of sanity as regards to this matter. Let me establish some truth so that the general public can have a better understanding of what has been and what is now,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa explained that he did not institute the legal action seeking clarification on his eligibility, adding that the suit was filed by other individuals seeking judicial interpretation. He maintained that he had not informed anyone of plans to run for another term, noting that his focus remains on governing the state.

“The truth is that I have never at any time declared to anybody that I am going to contest an election. It is not time for any governorship election in this state. There is no timetable. There is no sign of any election and I have not expressed interest at any time that I am going to run for the office of the governor again because it is not yet time,” he said.

He added that the litigation would not distract him from governance, noting that he is focused on delivering on the mandate given to him by voters in the November 16, 2024 governorship election.

The governor added that although he is aware of constitutional provisions relating to tenure limits for deputies who complete the tenure of their principals, he has not begun considering another contest and will consult his lawyers after reviewing the details of the court judgment.