Akure — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the November 16, 2024, Ondo State governorship election, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, has formally withdrawn his appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Ajayi, who lost to Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had initially pursued legal action after securing 117,845 votes against the governor’s 366,781 votes, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
After failing to overturn the result at both the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, Ajayi proceeded to the Supreme Court. However, in a letter addressed to the Chief Registrar of the apex court in Abuja and dated September 16, 2025, the former Deputy Governor announced his decision to discontinue the case.
The letter, titled “RE: SC/CV/757/2025 – Mr. Ajayi Alfred Agboola & Anor V. Independent National Electoral Commission & 3ORS,” did not specify a reason for the withdrawal. Ajayi noted instead that the decision came after consultations with his family, party leaders, associates, and legal advisers.
He wrote:
> “As the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, I have engaged in thoughtful discussions with my family, party members, associates, and legal advisors. After careful deliberation, we have reached a consensus that the appeal should be withdrawn, and I’m signing this letter to do so.
Having served as the former Deputy Governor and as a representative of my constituents at the national level, my foremost commitment is to the principles of good governance and the promotion of peaceful coexistence in Ondo State and across Nigeria.
In this spirit, I extend my heartfelt wishes to His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as he leads our state, and I remain dedicated to contributing positively to the State and National development.”
The letter was made available to journalists on Wednesday.
Ajayi’s withdrawal effectively ends the legal tussle over the November 2024 governorship poll, affirming Aiyedatiwa’s mandate as the duly elected governor of Ondo State.
