By Peter Omopo | September 17, 2025
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the November 16, 2024, Ondo State governorship election, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, has formally withdrawn his appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the victory of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ajayi, who served as Ondo’s former Deputy Governor, confirmed the withdrawal in a letter dated September 16, 2025, and addressed to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court in Abuja. The letter, obtained by PUNCH on Wednesday, followed consultations with his family, party stakeholders, associates, and legal advisers.
Although Ajayi did not provide specific reasons for abandoning the case, he emphasised that the decision reflected a commitment to peace, good governance, and the collective interest of the state.
“After careful deliberation, we have reached a consensus that the appeal should be withdrawn,” he wrote. “In this spirit, I extend my heartfelt wishes to His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as he leads our state.”
Ajayi had initially challenged the results of the 2024 election in which he secured 117,845 votes, losing to Aiyedatiwa who polled 366,781 votes according to figures announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
His petition was dismissed at the Election Petition Tribunal and subsequently at the Court of Appeal, prompting him to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.
The withdrawal effectively brings an end to the eight-month legal battle over the governorship election, paving the way for Governor Aiyedatiwa to consolidate his mandate without further legal encumbrances.
Ajayi, who previously represented Ondo State at the National Assembly, assured supporters that he remains committed to contributing to the state’s and Nigeria’s development outside the courtroom.
