Aiyedatiwa Speaks On 2028 Election Debate
The governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reacted after a Federal High Court in Akure ruled that he cannot contest the 2028 governorship election.
The decision followed a legal interpretation of his tenure after he assumed office following the death of former governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and later won the November 16, 2024 election.
The court held that Aiyedatiwa, who was sworn in on December 27, 2023, and inaugurated again on February 24, 2025 after his election victory, would not be eligible to run for another term in 2028. The ruling has stirred political discussions across the state.
Responding to the development, Aiyedatiwa said he never announced plans to seek re-election. During a live interview on Channels Television, he explained that there is currently no timetable for another governorship election in the state and therefore no reason for debate about a future contest.
He said, “The truth is that I have never at any time declared to anybody that I am going to contest an election. I have said this about a year ago. It is not time for any governorship election in this state.
“There is no timetable. There is no sign of any election and I have not expressed interest at any time that I am going to run for the office of the governor again because it is not yet time.”
The governor added that the legal case was filed by individuals seeking clarification on the interpretation of the law and not by him.
He said the ruling would not affect his work, adding that his focus remains on governing Ondo State and fulfilling the mandate given to him by voters in the 2024 election.
