Ondo gov Aiyedatiwa dismisses court ban on second term bid, says he has no plans to run

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has rejected a Federal High Court ruling in Akure that barred him from seeking a second term in 2028, describing the judgment as “premature and unnecessary.”

In a live interview on Channels Television on Friday, Aiyedatiwa clarified that he has never expressed any intention to contest another governorship election, and warned that social media narratives have misrepresented the situation.

“I want to set the record straight so the public can understand what is happening,” he said, stressing that there is currently no timetable for another election in the state.

“The truth is I have never at any time informed anyone that I intend to run again,” he added.

The governor explained that the lawsuit was initiated by other parties seeking judicial interpretation of eligibility rules, and not by him. He said the ongoing litigation would not distract him from his duties.

“I am focused on serving the people of Ondo State. I feel no distraction and will continue to execute my responsibilities diligently,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa also recalled that he won the governorship election on November 16, 2024, after completing the tenure of his late principal, emphasizing that his priority remains delivering on the fresh mandate.

“I have never thought beyond fulfilling this mandate,” he said.

Regarding possible legal action to challenge the verdict, the governor said he has not yet seen the full details of the judgment and will consult his legal team before taking further steps. “The judgment of the Federal High Court is what it is. My lawyers will review and advise on the next course of action,” he said.

He further noted that the case could eventually provide a reference point for interpreting constitutional provisions on tenure limits for deputies who complete the tenure of their principals, with further appeals possible at the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court.