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Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has described a recent ruling of the Federal High Court in Akure that barred him from contesting for another term as premature and an unnecessary distraction from governance.
The court had earlier ruled that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria limits elected executives to a maximum of eight years in office.
Speaking on Thursday during Politics Today on Channels Television, Aiyedatiwa said discussions about the 2028 off-cycle governorship election are premature, especially since he only recently secured a fresh mandate from the people of the state.
According to the governor, it is too early to begin conversations about another election when the timetable for the next poll has not even been released.
He explained that questions about his eligibility to run again should only arise closer to the next election cycle, when the need for constitutional interpretation might become relevant.
Aiyedatiwa emphasised that his immediate priority is fulfilling the mandate given to him by voters in the November 16, 2024 governorship election.
He noted that the election was conducted peacefully and fairly, and his focus remains on delivering meaningful development and governance rather than worrying about future political contests.
The governor also acknowledged the constitutional provision that limits a governor’s tenure to eight years but said he has not examined how the clause might apply to his situation since he just assumed office following his electoral victory.
He added that the lawsuit has come as a distraction after the political challenges he has already faced, including surviving an impeachment attempt before eventually winning the election.
Responding to speculation that the legal action might be linked to political rivalries within the All Progressives Congress, the governor dismissed suggestions of internal persecution or attempts to force members out of the party.
He insisted that the APC remains strong in Ondo State and described politics as ultimately a “game of numbers,” stressing that he has no intention of pushing anyone out of the party.
The Court’s Decision
Earlier on Thursday, the Federal High Court in Akure restrained Aiyedatiwa from seeking another term.
In a judgement delivered by Toyin Bolaji Adegoke, the court held that the Nigerian Constitution does not allow an elected President, Vice President, Governor, or Deputy Governor to remain in office for more than eight years.
The case was instituted by Kin Egbuwalo, a member of the All Progressives Congress, who asked the court to interpret Section 137(3) of the Constitution regarding the governor’s eligibility to seek another term.
Represented by Adeniyi Akintola, the plaintiff argued that allowing Aiyedatiwa to contest again could potentially extend his stay in office beyond the constitutional limit.
The suit listed several defendants, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Governor Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress, and Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami.
Justice Adegoke ruled in favour of the plaintiff, stating that the case had merit. The judgement relied on the precedent set by the Marwa v. Nyako, where the Supreme Court of Nigeria held that a president or governor cannot remain in office beyond eight years.
