By Hassanat Adebowale
The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, challenging the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State. The apex court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Garba Lawal, described the appeal as baseless, frivolous, and lacking merit.
The court upheld the earlier decisions of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, which had both ruled in favor of Aiyedatiwa. Ajayi’s legal challenge centered on allegations against Aiyedatiwa’s deputy, Owolabi Adelami, accusing him of forgery, impersonation, and using a false identity. Ajayi argued that these allegations rendered Adelami ineligible and, by extension, invalidated the governor’s election victory.
Ajayi’s case, filed on June 7, 2024, claimed that Adelami’s qualifications were compromised due to the alleged falsification of documents. However, the Federal High Court dismissed the case on December 2, 2024, citing procedural flaws. The court ruled that the criminal allegations of forgery required more substantial evidence, which could not be presented through an originating summons. Additionally, the court deemed the petition “statute-barred” as it was filed after the constitutionally mandated 14-day window for election disputes.
The Court of Appeal upheld this decision on January 18, 2025, affirming that Ajayi’s appeal lacked merit. The appellate court also imposed a N500,000 fine on Ajayi for filing the suit.
In its final ruling, the Supreme Court agreed with the lower courts, stating that Ajayi’s claims failed to meet the required legal standards. The judgment effectively ends the prolonged legal battle over the Ondo State governorship election, solidifying Aiyedatiwa’s position as governor.
This judgment emphasizes the importance of the Electoral Act 2022 and Section 285(9) of the Nigerian Constitution, which require that pre-election cases be filed within 14 days of the event in question. It also reinforces the principle that criminal allegations, like forgery, demand solid proof beyond a reasonable doubt, something that cannot be achieved through affidavits alone in a civil case.
The ruling highlights the judiciary’s role in maintaining electoral integrity while ensuring adherence to procedural rules. It serves as a reminder that political disputes must not be allowed to disrupt governance through endless litigation. While courts play a key role in protecting democracy, they are bound by strict procedural guidelines that all litigants must follow.
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