The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the November 16, 2024, Ondo State governorship election, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, has officially withdrawn his appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Ajayi’s decision marks the end of a legal battle that began shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the election.
INEC announced that Aiyedatiwa polled 366,781 votes, defeating Ajayi, who secured 117,845 votes.
Following the results, Ajayi filed a petition at the Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal, expressing his dissatisfaction and seeking to overturn the outcome. However, the tribunal dismissed the petition. He subsequently appealed the decision at the Court of Appeal, but the appellate court upheld the lower court’s ruling.
Unwilling to relent, Ajayi proceeded to the Supreme Court, filing an appeal in a bid to further contest the results. However, in a letter dated September 16, 2025, and addressed to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, the former deputy governor announced his decision to withdraw the appeal.
The letter, made available to The Telegraph on Wednesday, was titled: “RE: SC/CV/757/2025 – Mr Ajayi Alfred Agboola & Anor V. Independent National Electoral Commission & 3 ORS.”
Ajayi did not state a specific reason for his decision but noted that it followed consultations with key stakeholders, including his family, party members, associates, and legal advisors.
“As the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, I have engaged in thoughtful discussions with my family, party members, associates, and legal advisors. After careful deliberation, we have reached a consensus that the appeal should be withdrawn, and I’m signing this letter to do so,” he wrote.
He emphasized his commitment to peace and good governance, describing his decision as one made in the interest of unity and progress.
“Having served as the former Deputy Governor and as a representative of my constituents at the national level, my foremost commitment is to the principles of good governance and the promotion of peaceful coexistence in Ondo State and across Nigeria.
In this spirit, I extend my heartfelt wishes to His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as he leads our state, and I remain dedicated to contributing positively to state and national development.”
Ajayi’s withdrawal effectively ends the PDP’s legal challenge of the 2024 governorship election in Ondo State.
