Ondo PDP Candidate, Agboola Ajayi Heads to Appeal Court

•APC: Agboola’s reaction was clear attempt to intimidate judiciary

Fidelis David in Akure

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 16, 2024 governorship election in Ondo State, AgboolaAjayi on Tuesday rejected the judgment of the state Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

THISDAY reported that the tribunal, sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital on June 4, 2025, upheld the victory of the All Progressives Congress candidate (APC) and the governor of the state, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, dismissing the PDP’s petition for lacking in merit, while the court also dismissed the petitions filed by the Allied People’s Movement (APM) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) challenging the victory of Aiyedatiwa.

In a unanimous judgment, the three-member panel comprising Justice Imelda Etiape, Justice DaurabuSikkam and Justice Benson Ogubu said Agboola failed to prove the case of academic certificate forgery against the Aiyedatiwa’s running mate, OlayideAdelami while he also failed to prove the case of over voting during the election.

However, Ajayi, not satisfied with the judgement of the tribunal vowed to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.

The PDP candidate, in a statement he personally signed and issued to journalists in Akure, said the ruling of the tribunal did not accord proper analysis to details of the evidences and exhibits submitted to it.

“Due cognisance and rapt attention have not been accorded to the kernel on which the Honourable Justices based their findings and conclusion, which in our opinion did not accord proper analysis to details of the evidences and exhibits submitted to tribunal while it sat.

“Thus, to say the very least, we feel disappointed that we didn’t get justice at that level, but we remain undeterred and undiscouraged in our search to ensure that justice is not only served in this matter, but also ensure that honesty begins to prevail in our election process.

“Therefore, we restate our conclusion not to vitiate our rights and desires towards advancing our commitment to the legal process by appealing the judgement of the Tribunal at the Court of Appeal.”

According to Ajayi, “this we do in spite of the obvious challenges that the judiciary faces in Nigeria at this particular period; including prevailing views that suggest the unportability of justice in our nation, we remain irrevocably committed to leaving no stone unturned in getting justice in this matter, because laws, particularly electoral laws are no mere decorations, but meant to be obeyed at every cost, or else our democracy remains a mere mockery, totally unworthy of celebration as it is earmarked to be celebrated on June 12th.”

He urged his party members and supporters not to be weary, even in spite of the fact that APC came to the Court on judgement day in a celebratory mood indicative of a prior knowledge of the verdict to be delivered.

Reacting, the APC through the state Director, Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro said Agboola’s reaction was a clear attempt to intimidate the judiciary.

“The press statement issued by the PDP reacting to the Electoral Tribunal verdict delivered last week, particularly the assertion that APC members and supporters arrived at the Court on judgment day in a celebratory mood, indicative of prior knowledge of the verdict to be delivered, is an unfortunate comment that serves as an unwarranted assault on the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system”.

The party said such insinuations not only undermine the hard work and dedication of the judiciary but also disrespect the democratic process that the electorate engaged in during the recent governorship election.

“We call on the PDP to tender an unreserved apology to the Nigerian judiciary and to the thousands of voters who participated in the election, which culminated in an unprecedented and overwhelming victory for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.”

The APC said it is evident that the PDP’s disappointment stems from their inability to secure a favourable verdict, a result they had hoped would allow them to usurp the mandate given to the APC by the electorate.

“Their claims of judicial challenges are nothing more than a reaction to their electoral loss, revealing a pattern of behavior where the PDP only praises the judiciary when it aligns with their interests.

“Had the verdict favoured them, they would have undoubtedly lauded the very system they now seek to vilify.”

It stressed that PDP’s loss at the election tribunal was not a mere coincidence; it was a reflection of the resounding defeat they suffered at the polls, where they lost all 18 local governments, including the local government of their own governorship candidate, Agboola Alfred Ajayi.

“This overwhelming defeat is a clear indication of the electorate’s choice and their trust in the APC. While the PDP claims it will appeal the judgment, its preemptive chastisement of the judiciary only serves to intimidate the process, a tactic that will ultimately fail.

“It is a clever but misguided strategy that seeks to undermine the rule of law and the impartiality of our judicial system.

“Instead of focusing their energy on a lost governorship battle, we urge the PDP to confront the pressing issues within its own party, including the ongoing disintegration and waves of defections that threaten its very existence.

“The internal strife and leadership conflicts at the national executive levels of the PDP are far more significant challenges that require their attention.”