Court Rules Aiyedatiwa Ineligible for 2028 Election

On Thursday, the Federal High Court in Akure ruled that Ondo State Governor Lucki Aiyedatiwa is ineligible to contest in the 2028 governorship election. The judgment was delivered by Justice Toyin Adegok, who held that the Nigerian Constitution does not provide for individuals who have served in specific offices, such as governor, to run for a second term.

Aiyedatiwa was sworn in on December 27, 2023, completing the tenure of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and was later declared the winner of the governorship election held on November 16, 2024. The case was brought to court by APC chieftain Akindel Egbuwalo in July 2025, seeking clarification on Aiyedatiwa's eligibility under Section 137(3) of the Nigerian Constitution.

Justice Adegok initially set a date of January 28 to decide on Aiyedatiwa's qualifications. The court dismissed objections raised by the defense, stating that they had failed to participate adequately in the hearing.