The Digest:
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal filed by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa challenging a federal high court ruling that allowed an amendment in a suit seeking to bar him from contesting the 2028 governorship election. In a unanimous judgment delivered Monday, a three-member panel held that the appeal lacked merit and awarded N2 million in costs against the governor. The court affirmed the November 24, 2025 ruling by Federal High Court Judge Toyin Adegoke, which permitted the amendment of the suit filed by APC chieftain Akindele Egbuwalo. The plaintiff argues that Aiyedatiwa may be ineligible to run again having taken the oath of office twice, first on December 27, 2024, following Governor Rotimi Akeredolu's death, and again on February 24, 2025, after winning the governorship election. Section 182(3) of the constitution limits a person sworn in to complete another's tenure to one additional term.
Key Points
- Appeal Court dismisses Aiyedatiwa's appeal, affirms High Court ruling.
- Governor fined N2 million for filing "lack of merit" appeal.
- Suit challenges Aiyedatiwa's eligibility for 2028 election.
- Plaintiff argues two oaths of office may disqualify him under Section 182(3).
- Case to proceed at Federal High Court on amended summons.
Sources: Court of Appeal Judgment
