In a significant legal development, Agboola Ajayi, the candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming Ondo State governorship election, has filed an appeal challenging the recent ruling that upheld the candidacy of his political opponent, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the deputy governor in the state.
The ruling, delivered by the Ondo State High Court, had confirmed Aiyedatiwa's eligibility to run alongside Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, a decision which has sparked a fresh wave of legal debates and political tension ahead of the 2024 election. Ajayi, who has been a prominent figure in the state’s political landscape and was a former deputy governor of Ondo State, expressed his dissatisfaction with the court’s verdict, asserting that Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy violates provisions of both the constitution and the Electoral Act.
Ajayi, through his legal team, argued that the ruling was erroneous and has serious implications for the fairness of the election process in Ondo State. He emphasized the need for a transparent and just electoral process to ensure that the people’s will is respected. The PDP candidate, who is seeking to unseat the current administration, has promised to pursue all available legal avenues to challenge the ruling.
"This appeal is not just about my candidacy; it is about safeguarding the integrity of our democratic process and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in Ondo State. We believe that the court has not adequately considered the legal issues raised and we are confident that a higher court will provide a just resolution," Ajayi remarked.
The appeal is expected to bring renewed attention to the contentious race for the governorship seat in Ondo State, a contest that is heating up as both major parties prepare for the election. Political analysts believe that the outcome of this legal challenge could have a significant impact on the political dynamics in the state.