The Court of Appeal has dismissed a suit challenging the eligibility of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to seek re-election, affirming that the governor remains qualified to contest in the forthcoming governorship election.

In its ruling delivered on Monday, the appellate court held that the case brought against Aiyedatiwa lacked merit and failed to present sufficient legal grounds to disqualify him from participating in the election. The court therefore upheld the earlier decision of the lower court which had also dismissed the suit.

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The legal challenge had argued that Aiyedatiwa was not eligible to run again due to constitutional interpretations surrounding tenure and succession following the death of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. However, the panel of justices ruled that the arguments presented by the appellants did not establish any constitutional breach that would prevent Aiyedatiwa from seeking a fresh mandate.

According to the court, the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution regarding succession and tenure do not bar Aiyedatiwa from contesting the governorship election, especially since he assumed office in line with constitutional procedures after the demise of Akeredolu.

Legal analysts say the ruling clears a significant political hurdle for the governor as political parties prepare for the Ondo governorship race. The decision is also expected to shape the legal interpretation of succession-related tenure issues in Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence.

Reacting to the judgment, supporters of the governor described the ruling as a victory for democracy and constitutional order, while urging political stakeholders in the state to focus on issue-based campaigns ahead of the election.

The judgment effectively brings an end to one of the major pre-election litigations surrounding the Ondo governorship race.