AKURE, NIGERIA — Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared that the judiciary will determine his eligibility to contest the 2028 governorship election, describing a pending suit against him as frivolous and premature.
Speaking during a media chat in Akure, the governor responded to arguments over whether he can seek re-election after being sworn in twice — first in December 2023 to complete the tenure of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, and again in February 2025 after winning the November 2024 governorship poll.
“Let the judiciary decide what will happen. I have left that to the lawyers and the court to handle,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
The legal battle follows a suit filed by an APC chieftain, Dr Akin Egbuwalo, seeking interpretation of Section 137(3) of the Constitution regarding the governor’s qualification to seek another term.
The Court of Appeal in Akure had earlier suspended judgment by the Federal High Court scheduled for January 28, pending the determination of an appeal before the appellate court.
Aiyedatiwa questioned the basis of the legal challenge, noting that he has not declared interest in any election and that no governorship timetable has been released
. He also argued that as a sitting governor, he enjoys constitutional immunity.
“An election is a process. You first show interest, expression of interest, there will have to be a timetable by the party and then the electoral umpire. Why should I be taken to court when the constitution guarantees immunity for me?” he queried.
The governor urged those concerned to focus on genuine election matters, maintaining that any challenge to his eligibility should arise only when the electoral process officially begins.
On party matters, Aiyedatiwa confirmed that APC congresses in the state were peaceful but noted results were yet to be officially announced. He also denied any frosty relationship with the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, describing such speculation as baseless.
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