Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remains the duly elected leader of Ondo State after an appeal challenging his victory in the November 16, 2024, gubernatorial election was dismissed.

The case, brought forward by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Mr. Agboola Ajayi, was thrown out by the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Ajayi had sought to disqualify Aiyedatiwa over allegations that his running mate, Dr. Olayide Owolabi, submitted inconsistent documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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He argued that some certificates bore “Jackson” as the deputy governor’s middle name, while others had “Owolabi,” with no official record of a name change.

However, the apex court ruled that a documented name change does not amount to electoral fraud.

It found evidence confirming that Owolabi had used “Jackson” during his secondary school years before formally changing it.

Additionally, the court ruled that Ajayi lacked the locus standi to challenge the election, as he had filed the case after the legal time limit.

The suit, which stemmed from nomination forms submitted on May 20, 2024, was only taken to the Federal High Court on June 7, exceeding the 14-day window allowed by law.

As a result, the Supreme Court upheld the decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, dismissing the case and imposing a ₦2 million cost on Ajayi, payable to each of the four respondents.

Reacting to the judgment, the Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, described it as a victory for democracy and due process.

“As I have stated previously, the courtroom is a battleground for legal reasoning, and every advocate who argues a case contributes to strengthening our democracy,” Ajulo said.

He emphasized that the ruling had effectively put an end to the prolonged legal battle over Aiyedatiwa’s election, reinforcing the legitimacy of the APC-led government in Ondo State.

“The decision solidifies the legitimacy of the APC-led government in Ondo State, closing the chapter on the prolonged political legal tussle,” he added.

The Edo State Government has issued a clarification statement on the worrisome state of governance and insecurity it has been grappling with under Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The state government’s position, which claims the deplorable state of things was political motivated and exaggerated, was communicated by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua on Monday in Benin City.

With the state drifting towards becoming ungovernable, Itua assured that his principal “remains committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and has taken decisive steps to enhance security across the state”.

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He offered the following explanations, “Recent claims that Edo State is “under siege” and that “lawlessness is now the order of the day” are exaggerated and misleading. While no society is entirely free from security challenges, it is important to distinguish between genuine concerns and politically motivated narratives.

“The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remains committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and has taken decisive steps to enhance security across the state.

“Key initiatives include the reorganization of the Edo Security Network, improved collaboration with law enforcement agencies, and increased investment in modern security infrastructure. These measures are already yielding positive results, as security personnel are better equipped to tackle emerging threats and ensure peace in Edo communities.

“Additionally, concerns about market disruptions and illegal revenue collection are being addressed through structural reforms in the transport and revenue sectors. Unlike previous administrations that tolerated extortion and intimidation of traders, this government is actively working to eliminate multiple taxation and illegal toll collection. To ensure proper enforcement, the state government has engaged Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd. As an enforcement compliance consultant, reinforcing its commitment to transparent and lawful revenue collection.

“It is also worth noting that Edo State has made significant progress in curbing insecurity. The current administration has procured modern security equipment, deployed personnel to identified hotspots, and established a rapid response mechanism to address security concerns swiftly. These proactive measures contrast sharply with the past, when crime rates, including kidnappings and cult-related violence, were at alarming levels.

“Governor Okpebholo welcomes constructive criticism and values diverse perspectives on governance. However, public discourse should be grounded in facts rather than politically driven misinformation. Edo residents can see the tangible improvements taking place, and efforts to discredit the progress made will not alter the reality of a state moving towards greater security, economic stability, and improved governance.

“The administration remains focused on fostering a safe and conducive environment for businesses and residents alike. With continued commitment to security, economic development, and accountability, Edo State is on the path to lasting progress.”

Though the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, at its first plenary meeting of 2025 in Abuja at the weekend, gave an alarming prognosis of the state of the economy and the polity that sounded more like snippets from an outdated book.

In his opening address, CBCN President Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru listed youth unemployment, insecurity, poverty, corruption, and electoral fraud as some of the ills plaguing the country. He demanded quick action from leaders nationwide to stop the country from drifting.

However, in a statehouse statement, in Abuja, dated, March 10, the Special Adviser to the President, (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency maintains that Nigeria is moving in the right direction under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu deeply appreciates the constant interventions of the Catholic Bishops in matters of governance in our country. The Conference of Catholic Bishops’ patriotic fervour and commitment to national unity, peace, and stability are unassailable and deeply valued and respected by the government.

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While some of the governance challenges in the areas highlighted by the Bishops remain, it is important to state categorically that our country has made tremendous progress in all areas since President Tinubu assumed office about 22 months ago.

In terms of insecurity, Nigeria is more secure today than it was in 2023, thanks to our military and other security agencies and the strong leadership provided by President Tinubu as the Commander-in-Chief.

In the last two years, over 8000 criminals – bandits, armed robbers, Boko Haram terrorists, and kidnappers – have been eliminated, and over 10,000 Nigerians – primarily women and children have been rescued from their abductors. As a result of improved security in our communities, especially in the North-West and the North-East, farmers have returned to their farms, and our country has seen increased food production, which is currently driving down prices of essential commodities. Farmers in Kaduna, Kebbi and Jigawa are eloquent testimonies of the improved security ambience. Similarly, farmers growing cash crops in many parts of the country are experiencing a new life of boom and prosperity.

On the economy, Tinubu’s administration has stabilised the economy from the precarious situation it inherited on assumption of office. Our balance of trade has improved, foreign reserves are in a stronger position, inflation has moderated, our currency is gaining strength against convertible currencies, local refining capacity has tremendously increased on the back of Dangote Refinery and NNPCL Refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri, going on stream.

Realising the importance of youth to national development and economic growth, President Tinubu’s administration has designed programmes that will catalyse youth employment, enhance their capability, and harness their ingenuity, creativity, and talents for better productivity.

These programmes, including 3MTT, NATEP, LEEP, IDiCE, NiYA, and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, were designed to create over 10 million new jobs for young people.

More than ever, the country has increased revenue collection phenomenally and is mobilising more local revenue to fund critical development priorities.

Under President Tinubu, Nigeria spends more on economic and social infrastructure such as roads, power, healthcare, education, and security. The unprecedented N54.9 trillion 2025 budget is designed to revitalise the economy and set it on a new growth trajectory.

Local and international institutions have continued to praise the Tinubu administration’s implementation of necessary reforms.

Last week, Chatham House, a United Kingdom International Affairs policy think tank, praised President Tinubu’s economic management team. In an article, Chatham House said Nigeria’s economy had been most competitive under President Tinubu in 25 years due to his reforms.

While we agree that many Nigerians still face difficulties, we remain convinced that the government is making the right decisions that will lead to a better and more prosperous country. President Tinubu and his team will continue to work very hard on behalf of our compatriots to deliver the promise of a greater and stronger Nigeria. The Tinubu administration is optimistic about the future and the ongoing positive changes.