Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described the Federal High Court ruling barring him from contesting future governorship elections as a distraction, insisting that he has not declared any intention to run for office in 2028.
Speaking during a live interview on Channels Television yesterday, the governor said his attention remains firmly on fulfilling the mandate given to him by the people of the state.
He also noted that speculation about his future political ambitions had largely been fuelled by misconceptions circulating on social media.
Aiyedatiwa explained that discussions about his possible candidacy were premature because there is currently no official timetable for another governorship election in the state.
He stressed that he had not informed anyone of plans to contest again.
“The truth is that I have never at any time declared to anybody that I am going to contest an election. I have not expressed interest that I will run for the office of governor again because it is not yet time,” he said.
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According to him, he did not initiate the court action that produced the ruling. Rather, he said some individuals approached the court to seek clarification on his eligibility.
While acknowledging that the constitution contains provisions relating to deputies who complete their principal’s tenure, the governor said he had not begun to consider such issues because his November 2024 electoral victory remains recent.
The governor also dismissed reports suggesting divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
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He denied claims of a rift with the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, describing him as a political ally and part of the same party family, despite what he called the normal “push and pull” associated with politics.
Aiyedatiwa further rejected allegations that he was sidelining opponents within the party.
Instead, he said his administration had adopted an inclusive approach by expanding participation in party meetings.
According to him, the number of local government stakeholders attending party meetings had increased from 10 members to 60 per council.
“Politics is a game of numbers, and we are bringing more people into the party,” he said.
On the court ruling, Aiyedatiwa said he had yet to study the full judgment and would consult his legal team before deciding on the next step.
He clarified that the appeal previously mentioned in media reports related to preliminary objections during the proceedings, not the final judgment delivered by the court.
The governor added that, if necessary, the matter could ultimately be determined by the Supreme Court, which remains the final authority on constitutional interpretation in Nigeria, particularly in cases presenting unique political circumstances.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the people of the state, stressing that his priority remains delivering on his campaign promises and making the most of the mandate he recently received from voters.
