Breaking: Court Rules Aiyedatiwa Ineligible to Contest 2028 Ondo Governorship Election
A Federal High Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has ruled that the incumbent governor of the state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, would not be eligible to contest the governorship election scheduled for 2028.
The ruling was delivered on Thursday by the court in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, following a legal dispute concerning the constitutional interpretation of tenure limits for elected governors in Nigeria.
The suit, filed by an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, challenged whether Aiyedatiwa could legally seek another term after completing the remainder of the tenure of his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
Aiyedatiwa first assumed office as governor on December 27, 2023, following the death of Akeredolu. Prior to that, he had served as deputy governor. He later contested and won the Ondo State governorship election held in November 2024 and was sworn in for a fresh term in February 2025.
However, the court ruled that allowing him to contest again in 2028 would breach the constitutional provision that limits governors to a maximum of eight years in office. According to the court, combining the period he spent completing Akeredolu’s tenure with a potential additional term would exceed the constitutional limit.
The defendants in the case included the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Attorney-General of the Federation, Aiyedatiwa, his deputy, and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Legal analysts say the ruling clarifies the constitutional boundaries surrounding succession and tenure in cases where a deputy governor assumes office following the death or resignation of a sitting governor.
While the judgment bars Aiyedatiwa from contesting the 2028 election, it does not affect his current tenure, which he is expected to complete. Political observers note that the governor may still challenge the ruling at a higher court if he chooses to appeal.
The decision is likely to shape the political landscape in Ondo State as parties begin early considerations for the 2028 governorship race.
