Ondo Gov. Election: Gov’s Victory Sealed As PDP’s Ajayi Withdraws Appeal From Supreme Court

By Ayodele Oni

The legal battle over 2024 Ondo State Governorship election has ended. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa can now relax. He has secured a final victory at the Supreme Court, and this time, without any noise,  a trip to Abuja or a sponsor of his supporters to the Supreme Court.

On his own, the Governor’s challenger, the Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election, Agboola Ajayi, formally withdrew his appeal before the Supreme Court.

Ajayi and the PDP had earlier approached the tribunal to challenge the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who secured wins across all 18 local government areas of the state.

After the tribunal ruling which upheld Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s victory, Ajayi and PDP moved the the Court of Appeal which also endorsed the tribunal ‘s judgement.

In a letter dated September 16, 2025, and addressed to the Chief Registrar of the apex court, Agboola acknowledged that he was aware of the appeal filed on his behalf against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and others.

Explaining his decision, Ajayi said the withdrawal came after wide consultations with stakeholders and members of the PDP.

‎However, after what he described as “thoughtful discussions with family, party members, associates, and legal advisers,” he resolved to discontinue the case.

Agboola, who served as former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, contested under the PDP platform in the 2024 election, but lost to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

‎His withdrawal marks the end of one of the most keenly contested post-election disputes in recent history.

In his statement, Agboola said his decision was guided by principles of good governance and peaceful coexistence, stressing his commitment to contributing positively to the state and national development.

The former Deputy Governor extended his heartfelt congratulations to Governor Aiyedatiwa, pledging his readiness to support initiatives that will drive the growth and development of Ondo State.