The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, has withdrawn the appeal he filed at the Supreme Court against the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Ajayi contested the November 16, 2024, governorship election but lost to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Aiyedatiwa, who secured 366,781 votes. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission, Ajayi polled 117,845 votes. Dissatisfied with the outcome, he challenged the result at the Election Petition Tribunal. After losing at both the tribunal and the Court of Appeal, he took the matter to the Supreme Court.
In a letter dated September 16, 2025, and addressed to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court in Abuja, Ajayi formally announced his decision to end the case. The letter, which became public on Wednesday, carried his consent to withdraw the appeal. He explained that the decision was reached after consultations with his family, political associates, party members, and legal advisers.
Although he did not state specific reasons for stepping down from the case, Ajayi said the choice was made in the interest of peace and progress in Ondo State. He also expressed readiness to contribute to governance and development beyond electoral disputes.
Ajayi, who is a former deputy governor of the state, added that his focus remains on service to the people and cooperation toward a stable political atmosphere. He extended goodwill to Governor Aiyedatiwa as he continues his administration.