Court upholds Aiyedatiwa’s election victory in Ondo State, dismisses NNPP’s appeal

DDM News

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria has once again affirmed the legitimacy of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s election victory.

This latest judgment dismissed an appeal brought by the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) candidate, Mr. Olugbenga Edema.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) confirms that the appellate court upheld the ruling of the Federal High Court, maintaining that the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election that produced Aiyedatiwa was valid.

This judgment adds to a series of similar rulings in favour of Governor Aiyedatiwa, who emerged as the APC flagbearer following intra-party processes.

In January 2024, the Court of Appeal had already dismissed a related appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate.

That decision was later affirmed by the Supreme Court in March 2024, further consolidating Aiyedatiwa’s legal standing as Governor of Ondo State.

In the latest development, the appellate court, led by Justice Oyebisi Omoleye, ruled that Mr. Edema’s appeal lacked merit.

Justice Omoleye held that the arguments raised by Edema were insufficient to invalidate the outcome of the APC primaries.

Mr. Edema had initially approached the Federal High Court, seeking to nullify the APC’s primary election over alleged constitutional violations.

Through his legal representative, Mr. Abayomi Ojo, Edema requested judicial interpretation of Section 15 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He also sought a directive for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the candidacies of Aiyedatiwa and his running mate, Olayide Adelami.

The Federal High Court, however, dismissed the case on procedural grounds after the NNPP officially withdrew from the suit.

Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke of the Federal High Court ruled that Edema no longer had the legal standing to continue the case independently.

Despite the setback, Edema proceeded to the appellate court, challenging the High Court’s dismissal.

However, the respondents INEC, APC, Aiyedatiwa, and Adelami countered the appeal, describing it as baseless and a misuse of judicial resources.

The Court of Appeal agreed with their position and ruled that the appeal was without substance.

Justice Omoleye concluded that the appeal had no legal weight and affirmed the lower court’s decision.

In delivering the ruling, the court also imposed financial penalties on Edema.

He was ordered to pay ₦1 million to each of the four respondents as compensation for time and legal expenses.

This ruling serves as yet another judicial endorsement of the legitimacy of the Ondo State gubernatorial election process.

It also marks the third major court victory for Governor Aiyedatiwa within a year, strengthening his political mandate.

The case is seen as a litmus test for internal democracy within political parties and the integrity of the Nigerian electoral process.

It also raises concerns about the cost and implications of frivolous political litigation in Nigeria’s legal system.

Political observers note that the consistent victories in court could fortify Aiyedatiwa’s position ahead of future political contests.

This decision may also serve as a warning to political actors seeking to destabilize electoral processes through unsubstantiated legal actions.

The APC leadership in Ondo State has welcomed the judgment, calling it a validation of party discipline and due process.

INEC, which was a key respondent in the case, has remained neutral but indicated its commitment to uphold constitutional mandates.

With this final judgment, the legal contest over the legitimacy of Aiyedatiwa’s emergence appears to have reached its conclusion.

Observers expect political focus to now return to governance and campaign preparations ahead of the next election cycle in the state.

Governor Aiyedatiwa has pledged to continue delivering on his campaign promises and sustaining the trust of the people of Ondo State.

The ruling reflects broader judicial trends favouring electoral stability and constitutional order across Nigeria’s democratic landscape.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook