By Political Editor
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has dismissed the recent ruling of the Federal High Court barring him from contesting another governorship election as a distraction, insisting that he has never declared interest in seeking re-election ahead of the 2028 political cycle.
Speaking during a live interview on Channels Television, Aiyedatiwa said the judgement had generated widespread speculation and misleading narratives on social media, stressing that discussions about another election were premature since there is currently no timetable for the next governorship poll in the state.
The Governor downplayed the political implications of the recent ruling by the Federal High Court on his eligibility to seek another term, stating that discussions about a future election are premature since he has not declared any intention to run again for the governorship of Ondo State.
He said that discussions about a future election are premature since there is currently no timetable for the next governorship election in Ondo State.
“The truth is that I have never at any time declared to anybody that I am going to contest an election. It is not yet time for any governorship election in this state. There is no timetable and I have not expressed interest at any time that I am going to run for the office of the governor again,” he said.
He explained that the legal action that resulted in the court judgement was initiated by other individuals seeking interpretation of constitutional provisions regarding eligibility, not by him.
Focus on Governance After 2024 Election Victory
Aiyedatiwa said his primary focus remains on delivering the mandate given to him by voters in the November 16, 2024 governorship election, which he won after completing the tenure of his late principal.
He stressed that governance and fulfilling campaign promises to the people of Ondo State remain his top priorities.
“I had an election which I won on November 16, 2024. It is still fresh. I have never thought about any other election other than delivering on the fresh mandate that has been given to me.”
Constitutional Debate Over Tenure
The governor acknowledged that the Nigerian Constitution contains provisions addressing the tenure of deputies who complete the tenure of their principals.
He also referenced constitutional limits allowing a candidate to contest the same office a maximum of two times, which amounts to eight years in office.
However, he insisted he has not yet begun considering those provisions in relation to his own political future.
Governor Denies Rift With Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
Aiyedatiwa also dismissed speculation about a political rift between him and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Both leaders are leading members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, and the governor said their relationship remains cordial despite differing political interests.
“I don’t have any issue with him. If you ask him, he will tell you he does not have any issue with me. Politics is laden with interests, and sometimes you see push and pull.”
Ondo APC Remains United
The governor also rejected allegations that he was sidelining political opponents within the APC in Ondo State.
He stated that politics thrives on numbers, and his strategy has been to expand participation rather than exclude stakeholders.
He revealed that since assuming office, he has significantly increased the number of party stakeholders attending quarterly meetings.he stated that it was initially 10 stakeholders per local government, which was expanded to 20 stakeholders each and later increased to 30 stakeholders. He said current participation is 60 stakeholders per local government
With 18 local government areas in the state, the meetings now include about 1,080 stakeholders, which he said demonstrates inclusivity within the party.
Decision on Appeal Still Pending
On whether he will challenge the ruling of the Federal High Court in Akure, the governor said he had not yet reviewed the full details of the judgement.
He explained that his legal team would study the ruling before advising on the next step, which could include further legal interpretation or appeal through the judicial hierarchy.
Nigeria’s legal system allows appeals through the Court of Appeal and ultimately the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which is the final authority on constitutional matters.
“My lawyers will look at the judgement and if there is room for seeking further interpretation they will advise. I cannot say yes or no for now.”
Constitutional Interpretation May Set Precedent
Aiyedatiwa noted that the case could become an important constitutional reference in Nigeria because of its unique nature.
He suggested that the courts may eventually establish a definitive interpretation that will guide similar cases in the future.
“This is the first time this kind of case is happening in the constitution of Nigeria. We must look at it carefully so that there will be an authority on the matter for the future.”
