Aiyedatiwa Reacts as Court Bars Him From Re-Election Bid, Calls Lawsuit a ‘Distraction’

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo State, has dismissed a recent court ruling restraining him from seeking another term, describing the legal challenge as premature and a distraction from governance.

The ruling by the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Akure held that Nigeria’s constitution does not allow elected officials to remain in office for more than eight years.

Reacting during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, Aiyedatiwa said discussions about the 2028 off-cycle governorship election were unnecessary, noting that he only recently won the November 16, 2024 governorship election.

Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa

The governor stressed that his priority is delivering on his mandate rather than focusing on future elections, adding that the legal challenge followed intense political battles, including an impeachment attempt he survived.

The suit, filed by Kin Egbuwalo, relied on the precedent set by the Marwa v. Nyako ruling, which affirmed that governors cannot remain in office beyond the constitutional eight-year limit.

Written by Boom RadioNG