Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reacted to the recent judgement of the Federal High Court barring him from contesting the 2028 governorship election, stating that he never declared interest in seeking re-election.
The Federal High Court sitting in Akure has ruled that Aiyedatiwa who was sworn in as governor on December 27, 2023, following the death of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and later inaugurated on February 24, 2025, after winning the November 16, 2024 governorship election, is ineligible to seek another term in 2028.
Reacting to the development, the governor described the ruling as an unnecessary distraction, insisting that he had not at any time indicated plans to contest another governorship election.
According to a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa made the clarification on Thursday night during a live interview on Channels Television while responding to questions about the court’s decision.
Governor Aiyedatiwa noted there was currently no timetable for another governorship election in Ondo State and therefore no reason for discussions about a possible re-election bid.
He said “The truth is that I have never at any time declared to anybody that I am going to contest an election. I have said this about a year ago. 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.”
He added that the case before the court was not initiated by him but by individuals seeking clarification on the interpretation of the law regarding his eligibility.
Aiyedatiwa maintained that the legal development would not distract him from focusing on governance and delivering on his promises to the people of the state.
“I don’t feel any form of distraction. I will continue doing my work for the good people of Ondo State and ensure that I deliver on the mandate given to me,” he said.
The governor noted that the mandate he secured in the November 16, 2024 governorship election was still fresh, adding that his priority remained effective governance.
According to him, discussions about another governorship race were premature as his focus remained on fulfilling the responsibilities of his current term.
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