I Never Said I’ll Seek Re-Election,” Aiyedatiwa Reacts to Court Ruling

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State says he has never declared an intention to seek another term in office, following a ruling by the Federal High Court in Akure barring him from contesting the 2028 governorship election.

The court held that Aiyedatiwa, who became governor on December 27, 2023 after the death of former governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and was later sworn in again on February 24, 2025 after winning the November 16, 2024 governorship election, is not eligible to run for another term in 2028.

Responding during a live interview on Channels Television Thursday night, Aiyedatiwa said discussions about a future election were premature because no electoral timetable had been released.

“The truth is that I have never at any time declared to anybody that I am going to contest an election,” the governor said. “It is not time for any governorship election in this state.”

He said the case that produced the ruling was filed by individuals seeking legal clarification on his eligibility rather than by his administration.

Aiyedatiwa added that the ruling would not distract him from governing the state, noting that his focus remains on delivering on the mandate he received in the 2024 election.

“I will continue doing my work for the good people of Ondo State and ensure that I deliver on the mandate given to me,” he said.

The governor said his current priority is governance, adding that debates about another governorship race are unnecessary at this stage of his tenure.