The Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, presided over by Justice Benson Ogbu, upheld APC candidate Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s election victory on June 4, 2025, dismissing the petitions from PDP’s Agboola Ajayi and other parties as frivolous and lacking merit.
Following the ruling, APC supporters celebrated in Akure, prompting Ajayi to claim that the party had advance knowledge of the tribunal’s decision, suggesting a leak. He announced plans to appeal the judgment, criticizing the tribunal for not thoroughly considering the evidence submitted.
The APC swiftly rejected Ajayi’s allegation, demanding an unreserved apology to the judiciary and the electorate. Steve Otaloro, the party’s spokesperson, described the claim as a damaging assault on Nigeria’s judicial system and a disrespect to the democratic process.
Ajayi, while expressing his disappointment with the tribunal’s verdict, reaffirmed his resolve to seek justice through the Court of Appeal despite the judiciary’s current difficulties. He called on PDP supporters to remain resilient, confident that fairness would be achieved.
The controversy underscores the political friction surrounding the Ondo tribunal’s decision, with the APC defending the legitimacy of the election and the judiciary, while the PDP challenges the outcome and calls for further scrutiny.