The Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has set June 4, 2025, as the date to deliver its judgment on petitions challenging the outcome of the November 16, 2024, governorship election in the state.
The three-member tribunal panel, led by Justice Benson Ogbu, announced the judgment date on Saturday in Akure after all parties adopted their final written addresses. Other members of the tribunal are Justice Imelda Etape and Justice Sikka Duarabo.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the tribunal, which began sitting on January 31, 2025, received five petitions seeking to nullify the election over alleged non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had declared Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress as the winner of the election.
The petitioners include: The Action Alliance and its candidate, Abdullahi Olowokere; The Social Democratic Party and its candidate, Bamidele Akingboye; The Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate, Agboola Ajayi; The Allied Peoples Movement and its candidate, Kolawole Ogunfeyimi; The African Democratic Congress and its candidate, Adeyemi Nejo.
The respondents in the case are the APC, Aiyedatiwa, his running mate Olayide Adelami, and INEC.
During the proceedings, the PDP’s legal team, led by Ishaka Dikko and Bankole Akomolafe, argued that the election was marred by substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act and urged the tribunal to nullify Aiyedatiwa’s certificate of return.
However, the respondents, represented by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), and Charles Edosomwan, urged the tribunal to dismiss the petitions for lack of merit.
All parties have now concluded their arguments, and the tribunal is set to deliver its verdict on June 4, 2025. The judgment will determine whether Aiyedatiwa’s victory stands or if a rerun will be ordered.
