‘Premature and unnecessary’, Gov Aiyedatiwa dismisses court ruling barring him from seeking reelection in 2028
The governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has dismissed a federal high court judgement barring him from seeking another term in office.
On Thursday, a federal high court in Akure barred Aiyedatiwa from contesting for a fresh term in 2028.
The governor described the judgement as premature and unnecessary, stressing that he has never indicated interest in contesting another governorship election in the state.
He spoke on Friday during a live interview on Channels Television.
Aiyedatiwa said several narratives circulating on social media had distorted the situation, noting that there is currently no timetable for another governorship election in the state.
“I would like to start with just clarifying a bit of sanity as regards to this matter,” Aiyedatiwa said.
“Let me establish some truth so that the general public can have a better understanding of what has been and what is now.”
The governor maintained that he has never told anyone that he intends to contest another election.
“The truth is that I have never at any time declared to anybody that I am going to contest an election,” he said.
“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.”
Aiyedatiwa explained that he did not file the case to seek clarification about his eligibility to contest another election.
According to him, the suit was instituted by other individuals seeking judicial interpretation of the matter, adding that the litigation would not distract him from governance.
“I don’t feel any form of distraction. I feel good and I will continue doing my work for the good people of Ondo state,” he said.
The governor added that he remains focused on fulfilling the mandate given to him by voters in the November 16, 2024, governorship election.
“I completed the tenure of my late principal, and I contested the election, which I won on November 16, 2024. It is still fresh,” he said.
“I have never thought about any other election other than delivering on the fresh mandate that has been given to me.”
He said he is aware of the constitutional provisions concerning tenure limits for deputies who complete the tenure of their principals, but noted that he has not begun considering another contest.
When asked whether he would challenge the ruling, the governor said he had not yet reviewed the full details of the judgement.
“The judgement delivered by the Federal High Court in Akure is a judgement of the court. I have not seen the details. My lawyers will look at it and advise,” he said.
He added that the judicial process allows for further interpretation at the court of appeal and the supreme court, noting that the case could eventually serve as a reference point for constitutional interpretation.