…Urges Aiyedatiwa to embrace opposition for inclusiveness
In a landmark decision that has sent ripples across the political landscape, Obayangban Bidemi, popularly known as O.C. General and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Afforestation (Ondo South), has congratulated Governor Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on the Supreme Court’s affirmation of his election as the duly elected governor of Ondo State.
Obayangban, in a heartfelt statement, expressed that the Governor’s victory marks a significant step toward continued progress and development in Ondo State. He urged Aiyedatiwa to leverage this opportunity to enhance the lives of citizens throughout the region.
“The case was instituted as a distraction from the outset. Hon. Agboola Ajayi and the PDP know it is impossible to come through back doors to truncate the mandate which was overwhelmingly given to the governor across the 18 local governments of the state,” he asserted.
Notably, he highlighted that “Governor Aiyedatiwa’s election is the first of its kind in the history of Ondo State, winning with wide margins across the 18 LGAs.” The recent Supreme Court ruling has affirmed the mandate and set the stage for further advancements within the state.
While celebrating this significant victory, Obayangban called upon Governor Aiyedatiwa to take a page from President Bola Tinubu’s playbook by embracing opposition parties. “Inclusiveness is crucial for the growth and development of our beloved sunshine state,” he stated.
Starnews NG reported yesterday that the Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the last governorship election, Agboola Ajayi, who challenged the validity of the joint ticket of Aiyedatiwa and his running mate, Olayide Adelami.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, the court ruled the appeal as lacking merit. It underscored that the appellants, not being members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), lacked the legal standing to question Adelami’s nomination.
The Supreme Court also deemed the case statute-barred, as it was initiated outside the stipulated timeframe established by the Constitution and the Electoral Act. This ruling reaffirms the Court of Appeal’s earlier judgment, which upheld a Federal High Court decision regarding the matter.
The apex court imposed a cost of ₦8 million against the PDP and Ajayi, awarding ₦2 million each to the four respondents: Adelami, Aiyedatiwa, APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
As the dust settles on this pivotal ruling, the call for unity and collaboration among political parties in Ondo State echoes louder than ever.
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