Appeal Court Upholds Aiyedatiwa’s Victory, Fines NNPP Candidate Over Frivolous Suit

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has upheld the election victory of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, in the November 16, 2024 governorship election. This decisive ruling marks another judicial affirmation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate’s legitimacy, following earlier validation by the Federal High Court.

The appeal, filed by Gbenga Edema, the governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), was dismissed in a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Oyebisi Omoleye. Edema had sought to invalidate the APC primary election that produced Aiyedatiwa and Adelami as the party’s flag bearers. However, the appellate court found his claims procedurally flawed and an abuse of the judicial process.

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In a significant blow to the appellant, the Court not only threw out the appeal but imposed a ₦1 million fine against Edema in favour of each respondent — Governor Aiyedatiwa, Deputy Governor Adelami, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Earlier, Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke of the Federal High Court had dismissed the case on the grounds of legal incompetence, pointing out that the NNPP as a political party had withdrawn from the litigation, thereby stripping Edema of the necessary locus standi (legal standing) to pursue the suit alone. The Appeal Court affirmed this position, underscoring that once the primary petitioner exited the case, the residual claim lacked merit.

Reacting to the judgment, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and counsel to the Deputy Governor, Remi Olatubora, hailed the court’s decision. He expressed relief that the judiciary did not permit what he described as a time-wasting and frivolous lawsuit to progress any further.

“I feel that our law should not allow this kind of suit,” Olatubora remarked. “You can imagine the amount of time we have expended in litigating this case at both the Federal High Court and subsequently at the Court of Appeal. The joy of it is that justice has been done and the case has been dismissed with a cost of ₦1 million to each respondent.”

In the same vein, Kayode Ajulo (SAN), the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, commended the judges for their erudition, diligence, and commitment to upholding justice. He emphasized that the ruling reflects not only legal correctness but also the clear will of the people as expressed through the ballot box.

“One cannot but salute the industry and courage of the judges,” Ajulo said. “I was in court from the beginning to the end. You could see the erudition and the depth of research that summed up the judgment.”

Ajulo further called on all political actors, including Edema and members of the opposition, to respect the finality of the legal process and work together for the progress of Ondo State.

“There must be an end to litigation,” he stressed. “The people have spoken, and they spoke clearly. Using any other means, running from pillar to post, will not help. We belong to the same family, and we need to come together. What we should be discussing now is how we can move Ondo State forward.”

The judgment brings a measure of closure to a legal saga that has lingered since the conclusion of the 2024 gubernatorial polls. For the Aiyedatiwa-led administration, it serves as a reinforcement of its democratic legitimacy and a green light to proceed with its governance agenda without distractions from courtroom battles.

Legal experts have described the ruling as a textbook example of judicial economy and procedural discipline, citing that courts must not be used as instruments for political theatrics. The imposition of a ₦1 million fine against the appellant for each respondent also signals a warning against frivolous lawsuits that clog the judicial system.

Gbenga Edema, a lawyer and former Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) chairman, has yet to issue an official response following the appellate court’s verdict. However, political observers speculate that the finality of the judgment and the financial implications may dissuade further legal actions, including any attempt to escalate the case to the Supreme Court.

With the legal hurdles now presumably behind him, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is expected to consolidate his administration’s policy agenda and continue with developmental plans across the state. Supporters of the governor have lauded the court’s decision, calling it a victory for democracy, the rule of law, and the people of Ondo State.

As political tensions ease following the judgment, attention is gradually shifting back to governance, with stakeholders urging unity and collaboration in tackling the state’s economic and infrastructural challenges. Whether this ruling marks the end of Edema’s pursuit or the beginning of political reconciliation remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the courts have spoken, and the mandate of the people stands affirmed.