By Abaire Olanlesi
A fierce legal battle has erupted at the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the All Progressives Congress (APC), clash over the admissibility of an Appeal Court ruling.
The dispute arose on Saturday in Akure when the APC and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa sought to introduce a January 28, 2025, Appeal Court judgment dismissing a PDP pre-election appeal.
The appeal, filed by PDP candidate Agboola Ajayi, had challenged the eligibility of Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, over alleged certificate forgery.
APC’s lead counsel, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), argued that since the Appeal Court had already dismissed the disqualification claim, including it in the tribunal’s proceedings was unconstitutional and a waste of judicial resources.
However, PDP’s counsel, Bankole Akomolafe (SAN), insisted that the tribunal must consider all issues raised, citing constitutional provisions.
While withdrawing their request for a fresh election, the PDP maintained its push for Aiyedatiwa’s disqualification.
Tribunal Chairman, Justice Benson Ogbu, ruled that a decision on the application would be included in the final judgment and adjourned proceedings to February 20.
The standoff underscores the high-stakes legal contest surrounding the Ondo governorship election, with both parties seeking judicial validation of their positions.
