The Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Akure has fixed June 4, 2025, for judgment in the petitions challenging the outcome of the November 16, 2024 governorship election.

The petitions were filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, seeking to nullify the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The three-member panel, led by Justice Benson Ogbu, fixed the date after all parties adopted their final written addresses. Other members of the panel include Justices Daurabu Sikkam and Imelda Etiape.

Counsel to the PDP, Ishaka Dikko (SAN) and Bankole Akomolafe, argued that the election was characterized by substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act, and urged the tribunal to nullify the Certificate of Return issued to Governor Aiyedatiwa.

Other opposition parties, notably the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), also submitted petitions. The SDP, represented in part by its chieftain Prince Adewole Adebayo, alleged widespread irregularities and called for the election results to be voided.

The respondents, including Governor Aiyedatiwa, his deputy Dr. Olayide Adelami, INEC, and others, were represented by a team of senior lawyers including Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Tayo Oyetibo (SAN). They argued that the election was conducted in substantial compliance with the law and should be upheld.

The legal team for the governor maintained that the petitioners failed to present compelling evidence or credible witnesses to prove any wrongdoing or irregularity.

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