Mr Agboola Ajayi, the PDP governorship candidate in Ondo State governorship election in November 16, 2024, has announced his withdrawal from the appeal filed at the Supreme Court against the winner of the election, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
It can be recalled that 24 days after the governorship poll Ajayi filed a petition at the Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal against the winner of the electon, Aiyedatiwa.
Ajayi lost at both the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal ,
The Akure Division of the Court of Appeal had dismissed Ajayi’s suit challenging Aiyedatiwa’s re-election, as well as that of Deputy Governor Olayide Owolabi Adelami, over alleged name discrepancies.
The appellate court ruled that Mr Ajayi lacked the locus standi to pursue the matter, describing the case as statute-barred.
Ajayi later proceeded to the Supreme Court to challenge the verdicts of the lower court.
He has however announced his withdrawal from the litigation in a letter addressed to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court in Abuja, dated September 16, 2025. The letter was made available to PUNCH on Wednesday.
In a letter to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, the PDP flag bearer confirmed that although an appeal had been filed on his behalf, he had resolved after consultations with family, associates, party members and legal team to discontinue the case.
The letter was titled, ‘RE: SC/CV/757/2025 – Mr Ajayi Alfred Agboola & Anor V. Independent National Electoral Commission & 3ORS.’
It read, “I am the ‘Appellant’ in the above appeal, and I write to inform you that I am aware of the appeal that has been filed on my behalf concerning the recent gubernatorial election in Ondo State.
“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 After careful deliberation, we have reached a consensus that the appeal should be withdrawn, and I’m signing this letter to do so.
“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 Alyedatiwa as he leads our state, and I remain dedicated to contributing positively to the State and National development.
“Thank you for your understanding and attention to this matter. I trust that my position will be respectfully acknowledged.”
The PDP candidate also pledged support for Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration, signalling a major political truce in the state.
Ajayi, served as Deputy Governor in the first term of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, and was the main challenger to Governor Aiyedatiwa in the last governorship race that featured 16 other candidates.
According to the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission,Ajayi lost the election to the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Governor Aiyedatiwa, having scored a total of 117,845 votes behind the governor, who polled 366,781 votes.
