Agboola Ajayi Drops Legal Battle, Accepts Aiyedatiwa’s Mandate in Ondo

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the November 16, 2024, Ondo State governorship election, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, has formally withdrawn his appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the election victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Ajayi, who had earlier petitioned the Ondo State Election Tribunal after the poll, lost his case both at the tribunal and the Court of Appeal before taking it to the Supreme Court. INEC had declared Aiyedatiwa, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), winner of the election with 366,781 votes against Ajayi’s 117,845.

In a letter dated September 16, 2025, and addressed to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court in Abuja, Ajayi confirmed the withdrawal of his case, stating that the decision followed wide consultations with family, party stakeholders, associates, and legal advisers.

Although he did not disclose specific reasons for the move, Ajayi emphasized his commitment to peace and good governance in Ondo State.

He also extended his goodwill to Governor Aiyedatiwa, expressing readiness to contribute positively to the development of both the state and the country.