The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2024 Ondo governorship election, Chief Ajayi Alfred Agboola, has officially withdrawn his appeal at the Supreme Court.
In a letter to the Chief Registrar, Agboola said he reached the decision after wide consultations with his family, associates, party leaders, and legal team. He explained that everyone agreed it was time to step aside and let peace reign.
“As the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, I have engaged in thoughtful discussions with my family, party members, associates, and legal advisors. After careful deliberation, we have reached a consensus that the appeal should be withdrawn, and I hereby so do,” the letter read.
Agboola, who previously served as Ondo’s deputy governor, congratulated Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and promised to support his administration. He said his priority now is to contribute positively to the development of Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
The move brings an end to months of legal tussle following the election. Earlier in March, the Supreme Court had dismissed Agboola’s challenge against the APC candidate, ruling that the case lacked merit and was statute-barred. The court also ordered him to pay N2 million in costs to each of the four respondents.
Agboola had argued that Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami’s name change from “Jackson” to “Owolabi” was irregular, but the court held that properly documented name changes do not amount to fraud or grounds for disqualification.
By withdrawing his appeal, Agboola is sending a strong signal of political maturity and statesmanship, paving the way for greater unity in Ondo’s political landscape.
