The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has dismissed the judgment of a Federal High Court in Akure barring him from seeking another term in office, describing the ruling as an unnecessary distraction.
Aiyedatiwa stated that he had never declared interest in contesting another governorship election in the state.
Speaking during a live interview on Channels Television, the governor said many narratives circulating on social media had misrepresented the situation.
According to him, there is currently no timetable for another governorship election in the state and he has not taken any step suggesting he intends to run again.
“I would like to start with just clarifying a bit of sanity as regards to this matter. Let me establish some truth so that the general public can have a better understanding of what has been and what is now,” he said.
He insisted that he had never told anyone he planned 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.
“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.
The governor also clarified that he did not approach the court to seek eligibility to contest any election, noting that the case was initiated by other individuals seeking judicial clarification on the issue.
Aiyedatiwa maintained that the legal matter would not distract him from governance and his responsibility to the people 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,” he said.
The governor said his priority remained delivering on the mandate he received from the electorate during 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,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa acknowledged that he was aware of constitutional provisions relating to tenure limits for deputies who complete the tenure of their principals but said he had not begun considering another contest.
He also denied allegations that he was pushing political opponents out of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State.
According to him, politics thrives on numbers and he is instead encouraging more people to join the ruling party.
“It is not possible because politics is a game of numbers. Rather I want more people to join our party, the APC,” he said.
The governor also dismissed claims of a rift between him and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, insisting that both remain members of the same political family.
“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,” he said.
He also rejected suggestions that deaths recorded during the APC congress in Ondo State were linked to internal party disputes, explaining that the incident involved issues within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
Aiyedatiwa further said he had expanded participation in party stakeholders’ meetings since assuming office.
According to him, the number of stakeholders attending meetings was increased from 10 per local government to about 60 per local government.
“That is about 1,080 members. So where is the claim that people are being driven away? I am bringing more people into the party,” he said.
On whether he would challenge the court judgment, the governor said he had not yet seen the details of the ruling and would consult his lawyers before deciding the next step.
“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 said.
He noted that Nigeria’s judicial system allows further interpretation through the Court of Appeal and ultimately the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which remains the final authority on constitutional matters.
Aiyedatiwa added that the case could become a reference point for future constitutional interpretation.
Fidelis David
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