Date Fixed for Tribunal’s Decision On Ondo Governorship Dispute

The Ondo State Election Petitions Tribunal has scheduled June 4, 2025, to deliver its ruling on petitions challenging the outcome of the state’s governorship election held on November 16, 2024.

Presided over by Justice Benson Ogbu, the Tribunal set the date after both the petitioners and respondents formally adopted their written arguments for and against the declared election results.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the election.

However, the result is being contested by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Agboola Ajayi, who alleged breaches of electoral laws. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) also filed petitions, citing widespread irregularities and calling for the election to be nullified.

Legal representatives for Aiyedatiwa, his deputy Dr. Olayide Adelami, INEC, and other respondents urged the Tribunal to dismiss the petitions, arguing that the opposition failed to substantiate claims of electoral malpractice.

Following the presentation of arguments from all parties, the Tribunal set June 4 as the date to deliver its judgment on the consolidated petitions.