Why Agboola Ajayi Has Not Gone To Tribunal Against Aiyedatiwa’s Win In Ondo Guber

Emerging details have unveiled why Agboola Ajayi, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the Saturday, November 16, 2024, gubernatorial election, is yet to contest the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), polled 266,781 votes against Ajayi’s 117,845 to win the election, which the PDP flagbearer described as “a shameful exercise.”

Despite his harsh criticism of the process that led to Aiyedatiwa’s victory, Ajayi and the PDP have not initiated the stipulated process to challenge the win at the tribunal, the primary avenue for such disputes.

However, insiders have revealed the reason for this.

The PDP gubernatorial candidate is said to have filed a pre-election suit challenging the eligibility of Aiyedatiwa’s deputy governorship candidate, Adeyemi Olayide, to contest the election.

The case is reportedly undergoing expedited hearing.

Insiders disclosed that Ajayi’s legal approach mirrors the strategy that brought Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri to power in 2019.

Although Diri lost the election, he challenged the eligibility of Degi Eremienyo Wangagra, the deputy governorship candidate to the winner, David Lyon.

The Supreme Court ruled that Wangagra’s candidature was invalid—and by extension, nullified Lyon’s victory—just a day before the swearing-in, as both ran on a joint ticket. This landmark decision allowed Diri to assume office as Bayelsa Governor in Lyon’s place.

Ajayi is now relying on this precedent in his case, challenging the eligibility of Aiyedatiwa’s deputy, Adeyemi Olayide, to contest the November 16 Ondo State gubernatorial election.