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By Lawrence Agbo
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has clarified his position following a Federal High Court in Akure ruling that he is ineligible to contest the 2028 governorship election, citing constitutional tenure limits.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels TV, Aiyedatiwa said, “I have never at any time declared to the public that I was going to contest an election, having just been sworn in about a year ago. I did not approach the court to seek eligibility to contest an election.”
The governor stressed that the ruling does not affect his current administration, noting that his focus remains on governance and delivering on his mandate.
He described reports suggesting he was seeking re-election as “misleading,” emphasizing that he has not initiated any process to participate in the 2028 polls.
Earlier today, the Federal High Court in Akure ruled that Governor Aiyedatiwa is ineligible to contest the 2028 election due to constitutional restrictions on tenure.
Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke, presiding over the case, stated that permitting Aiyedatiwa to run for a second term would be against the constitution, which states that no president, vice president, governor, or deputy governor may hold office for longer than eight years.
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Aiyedatiwa was first sworn in on December 27, 2024, to succeed the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. On February 24, 2025, he was re-elected following his victory over PDP candidate Agboola Ajayi.
Dr. Akin Egbuwalo, an APC member who contested the governor’s eligibility for a second term, launched the court challenge.
INEC, the APC, Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, Aiyedatiwa, and the Attorney-General of the Federation were named as defendants in the lawsuit.
According to Justice Adegoke, a number of defendants were deemed to have abandoned their procedures because they did not engage in the proceedings.
The Supreme Court’s decision in Marwa v. Nyako, which sets an eight-year term limit for presidents and governors, was mentioned by Justice Adegoke in his ruling. The court denied Aiyedatiwa’s request for a second term in 2028 and upheld all of the plaintiff’s requested remedies.
Aiyedatiwa’s plea to stop the proceedings was earlier denied by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which found that the trial judge had acted within her discretion and that the governor had not demonstrated any injustice. Additionally, the appellate court granted him ₦2 million in costs.
As he continues his current term and concentrates on governance and development in Ondo State, Aiyedatiwa’s explanation coincides with rumours about his political plans.
