Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo state, has dismissed a federal high court judgment barring him from seeking another term in office.
On Thursday, a federal high court in Akure, barred
Aiyedatiwa from seeking a fresh term in 2028.
Aiyedatiwa described the ruling as an unnecessary
distraction, noting that he has never expressed an interest in contesting
another governorship election in the state.
He spoke on Friday during a live interview on Channels
Television.
Aiyedatiwa said many narratives circulating on social media
had misrepresented the situation, adding that there is currently no timetable
for another governorship election in the state.
“I would like to start with just clarifying a bit of sanity
as regards to this matter,” Aiyedatiwa said.
“Let me establish some truth so that the general public can
have a better understanding of what has been and what is now.”
The governor insisted that he had never informed anyone of
plans to contest another election.
“The truth is that I have never at any time declared to
anybody that I am going to contest an election,” he said.
“It is not time for any governorship election in this state.
There is no timetable. There is no sign of any election and I have not
expressed interest at any time that I am going to run for the office of the
governor again because it is not yet time.”
The governor said he did not institute the case to seek
clarification on his eligibility to contest another election.
He said the suit was filed by other individuals seeking
judicial interpretation of the issue, adding that the litigation would not
distract him from governance.
“I don’t feel any form of distraction. I feel good and I
will continue doing my work for the good people of Ondo state,” he said.
The governor said he is focused on delivering on the mandate
he received from voters in the November 16, 2024, governorship election.
“I completed the tenure of my late principal, and I
contested the election, which I won on November 16, 2024. It is still fresh,”
he said.
“I have never thought about any other election other than
delivering on the fresh mandate that has been given to me.”
The governor said he is aware of constitutional provisions
relating to tenure limits for deputies who complete the tenure of their
principals.
He, however, said he has not begun considering another
contest.
On whether he would challenge the verdict, the governor said
he is yet to see details of the ruling.
He said he would consult his lawyers before deciding on the
next step.
“The judgement delivered by the Federal High Court in Akure
is a judgement of the court. I have not seen the details. My lawyers will look
at it and advise,” he said.
He added that the judicial process allows further
interpretation at the court of appeal and the Supreme Court.
Aiyedatiwa said the case could eventually become a reference
point for constitutional interpretation.
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