Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, says it is up to the judiciary to determine whether he is eligible to contest the state’s governorship election in 2028.
Aiyedatiwa assumed office in 2023 after the death of the former governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, whose tenure he completed before winning the 2024 governorship election.
Speaking during a live media chat in Akure, the governor said he has not discussed with anyone or any group about seeking another term in office.
He described the court case challenging his potential eligibility as frivolous, insisting it lacks any basis and should be dismissed.
The governor also questioned the interpretation of Section 182(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which states that a person sworn in to complete another governor’s tenure cannot be elected to the office for more than one additional term.
According to him, legal experts have raised concerns about how the provision should apply in situations where a deputy governor completes only a short period of a predecessor’s tenure.
“Some lawyers have argued whether completing just a few weeks or months in office should be considered a full term,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa maintained that the courts should provide clarity on the matter, adding that he has left the issue for lawyers and the judiciary to resolve.
He also noted that the lawsuit was premature since he has neither declared interest nor obtained a party nomination for any future election.
“There is no expression of interest and no nomination. So how can it be considered a pre-election matter?” the governor asked.
He added that, as a sitting governor, he enjoys constitutional immunity and therefore questioned the basis for dragging him to court.
“I have not declared for any election. That is the fact,” Aiyedatiwa said.
