Court of Appeal Dismisses Aiyedatiwa’s Appeal in Case Challenging 2028 Re-Election Bid

Court of Appeal Dismisses Aiyedatiwa’s Appeal in Case Challenging 2028 Re-Election Bid

Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Monday dismissed an appeal filed by the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, challenging an amendment to a suit seeking to bar him from contesting the 2028 governorship election.

In its ruling, the appellate court held that the amendment sought by the plaintiffs in the substantive suit was valid and should be allowed to stand.

Governor Aiyedatiwa had approached the appellate court to challenge the decision of the lower court which permitted the claimants to amend their originating processes in the case. The suit is aimed at determining whether the governor would be eligible to contest the 2028 governorship election in the state.

However, the Court of Appeal ruled that the amendment did not prejudice the governor’s defence and that the lower court acted within the law in granting the request.

The appellate court consequently dismissed Aiyedatiwa’s appeal for lacking merit and affirmed the earlier ruling that allowed the amendment of the suit.

The development means the substantive case seeking to restrain the governor from seeking re-election in 2028 will proceed at the lower court.

Governor Aiyedatiwa assumed office as governor following the death of former governor Rotimi Akeredolu in December 2023. The legal dispute revolves around interpretations of tenure and eligibility under Nigeria’s constitutional provisions governing gubernatorial terms.

Legal observers say the dismissal of the appeal clears the way for the court to determine the core issue of whether Aiyedatiwa would be qualified to contest the 2028 governorship election.

 

Court of Appeal Dismisses Aiyedatiwa’s Appeal in Case Challenging 2028 Re-Election Bid