Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has formally distanced himself from any current re-election ambitions, characterizing recent legal challenges regarding his tenure as premature and disruptive.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, the Governor emphasized that his administration remains strictly focused on fulfilling its developmental promises rather than navigating the politics of future election cycles.
The Governor’s remarks come in the wake of a significant ruling by a Federal High Court in Akure, presided over by Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke, which barred him from participating in the 2028 governorship election.
The court’s decision was rooted in an interpretation of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which stipulates that an individual cannot be sworn in as governor more than twice or serve beyond a cumulative eight-year limit.
Justice Adegoke maintained that granting Aiyedatiwa a further term would result in a constitutional breach, dismissing arguments that the legal challenge instituted by APC member Dr. Akin Egbuwalo was merely academic.
Addressing the controversy, Aiyedatiwa clarified that he has never approached any court to seek a declaration of eligibility for future contests, nor has he made any public pronouncements regarding the 2028 race.
“I have not presented myself for another election. I was sworn in about a year ago; that is not even a thought. All I am facing is just to govern and deliver on our electioneering promises. All of these court cases are just unnecessary distractions,” the Governor stated.
He reiterated that since he has not yet declared a bid, the litigation surrounding his potential candidacy is largely speculative.
However, when questioned on his potential reaction should the legal matter eventually reach the Supreme Court and result in a favorable interpretation, Aiyedatiwa adopted a more open-ended stance.
He suggested that if the law ultimately permits it and the people of Ondo State express a genuine desire for his continued leadership based on his performance, he would consider the possibility.
“If I impress the people so well and they ask me to continue, if the law permits, why not?” he remarked.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s unique constitutional position stems from his dual swearing-in ceremonies. He first took the oath of office on December 27, 2024, to complete the unexpired term of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Following his victory in the November 16, 2024, general election, he was sworn in for a second time on February 24, 2025. This sequence has ignited a complex legal debate over whether his current four-year term constitutes his final allowed tenure under the existing constitutional framework.
