AKURE — The Ondo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal will deliver its verdict on June 4 in the series of suits challenging the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who emerged victorious in the last gubernatorial poll.
Justice Benson Ogbu, who chairs the three-member panel, announced the date after all parties adopted their final written addresses. The tribunal has now entered the judgment phase, where it will rule on the validity of the election held across the 18 local government areas of the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared winner after securing victory in all the LGAs. However, his election is being challenged by opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Agboola Ajayi.
The PDP and other petitioners — notably the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — are asking the tribunal to invalidate the election results. They argue that the poll failed to comply with provisions of the Electoral Act (as amended), citing alleged irregularities and procedural breaches.
Responding to the allegations, the governor’s legal representative, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), called on the tribunal to dismiss the petitions, which he described as lacking substance and evidentiary backing.
“There is no credible evidence before this tribunal to support any claim of electoral malpractice,” Olanipekun submitted during the adoption of final arguments.
The legal dispute has drawn considerable attention in Ondo State’s political circles, especially given the scale of the governor’s initial win.
Justice Ogbu confirmed that the panel would issue its final decision on the matter on Tuesday, June 4, 2025.