The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate in the November 16, 2024 Ondo State governorship election, Mr Agboola Ajayi, has formally withdrawn his appeal before the Supreme Court challenging the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Ajayi, who had contested the outcome of the poll in which he secured 117,845 votes against Aiyedatiwa’s 366,781, had previously approached the Election Petition Tribunal to nullify the result.
The petition was, however, dismissed, and subsequent appeals at both the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal also failed to overturn the governor’s victory.
Not deterred, Ajayi proceeded to the Supreme Court to seek redress. But in a letter dated September 16, 2025, and addressed to the Chief Registrar of the apex court, the former deputy governor announced his decision to discontinue the case. The letter was made available to journalists on Wednesday.
While Ajayi did not state a specific reason for withdrawing the appeal, he explained that the move followed extensive consultations with his family, legal team, party stakeholders, and associates, all of whom consented to the decision.
The letter, titled RE: SC/CV/757/2025 – Mr Ajayi Alfred Agboola & Anor V. Independent National Electoral Commission & 3 ORS, partly reads:
“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 After careful deliberation, we have reached a consensus that the appeal should be withdrawn, and I’m signing this letter to do so.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 Aiyedatiwa as he leads our state, and I remain dedicated to contributing positively to state and national development.”
