Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa Rejects Court Order Limiting His Re-election Prospects

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has addressed a recent Federal High Court judgment that he believes restricts his potential for a second term, labelling the ruling an unnecessary distraction. Governor Aiyedatiwa clarified that he has not expressed any ambition to seek another term in office.

During an interview on Channels Television, the governor indicated that several social media narratives have inaccurately portrayed the judicial decision. He pointed out that the state does not currently have an election timetable in place, and he has taken no actions suggesting an intent to run again.

"Let me establish some truth so that the general public can have a better understanding of what has been and what is now," Governor Aiyedatiwa stated, addressing the situation.

He reiterated his position that he has never informed anyone of his intention to contest another election. "The truth is that I have never at any time declared to anybody that I am going to contest an election. It is not time for any governorship election in this state."

The governor emphasized that with no election timeline and no prior declaration of interest, the court ruling is not currently pertinent. "There is no timetable. There is no sign of any election and I have not expressed interest at any time that I am going to run for the office of the governor again because it is not yet time," he added.

Governor Aiyedatiwa further explained that he did not initiate legal proceedings to assert his eligibility for any election. Instead, he noted that the case was brought forward by other parties seeking judicial clarification on the matter.

He asserted that this legal development would not impede his focus on governance and his commitment to the residents of Ondo State. "I don’t feel any form of distraction. I feel good and I will continue doing my work for the good people of Ondo State,"

The governor highlighted that his primary focus remains on fulfilling the mandate given to him by voters in the November 16, 2024 governorship election, which he won. "I completed the tenure of my late principal and I contested the election which I won on November 16, 2024. It is still fresh. I have never thought about any other election other than delivering on the fresh mandate that has been given to me,"

Aiyedatiwa acknowledged awareness of constitutional provisions concerning tenure limits for deputy governors who complete a principal's term, but stressed that he has not begun contemplating a future contest.

He also refuted claims that he is attempting to push political rivals out of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, suggesting instead that he is actively encouraging more individuals to join the party, as politics thrives on numbers.

"It is not possible because politics is a game of numbers. Rather I want more people to join our party, the APC,"

Furthermore, the governor dismissed reports of any discord between himself and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, affirming their continued association within the same political group. "If you ask him, he will tell you he does not have any issue with me. Politics is laden with interests and sometimes you see push and pull,"

Governor Aiyedatiwa also denied that any deaths occurring during the APC congress in Ondo State were connected to internal party conflicts, attributing the incidents to issues within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

He also mentioned that he has broadened participation in party stakeholder meetings since assuming office, increasing the number of attendees from 10 per local government to approximately 60 per local government, which amounts to about 1,080 members. "So where is the claim that people are being driven away? I am bringing more people into the party,"

Regarding the court judgment, the governor stated that he had not yet reviewed its specifics and would consult with his legal team before deciding on any further actions. "The judgement delivered by the Federal High Court in Akure is a judgement of the court. I have not seen the details. My lawyers will look at it and advise,"

He noted that the Nigerian judicial system allows for appeals and further interpretations up to the Supreme Court, which serves as the ultimate arbiter on constitutional matters. Aiyedatiwa suggested the case could become a significant precedent for future constitutional interpretations.

Fidelis David