Akure East LCDA Chairman, Barr. Kayode Taiwo Samson Congratulates Aiyedatiwa, Adelami Over Court Judgement

Akure East LCDA Chairman, Barr. Kayode Taiwo Samson Congratulates Aiyedatiwa, Adelami Over Court Judgement

The Chairman of Akure East LCDA, Hon. Barr. Kayode Taiwo Samson, LL.M, has commended the Court of Appeal sitting in Akure for affirming the election of Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and Dr. Olayide Adelami as Governor and Deputy Governor of Ondo State. The judgment was delivered on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

This follows the dismissal of appeals filed by various political parties challenging the June 4, 2025 judgment of the Ondo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, which had earlier upheld the election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied People’s Movement (APM), and Social Democratic Party (SDP) had sought to nullify the November 16, 2024, governorship election through their appeals.

However, the three-member panel, comprising Justice Nimpar Yargata, Justice K.I. Amadi, and Justice I.M. Sani, unanimously dismissed the appeals for lacking merit. The court held that the appellants failed to substantiate their claims of non-compliance with the Electoral Act, as they could not demonstrate how the alleged irregularities affected results in specific polling units, wards, or local government areas.

Furthermore, the appellate court noted that the appellants abandoned their cases due to the absence of credible witnesses during the tribunal hearings. It therefore affirmed the tribunal’s decision in its entirety and awarded a cost of N1.5 million against the appellants.

In a press statement, Barr. Kayode Taiwo Samson congratulated Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami on their resounding legal victory. He described the judgment as a strong reaffirmation of the people’s trust and confidence in the Aiyedatiwa administration.

Barr. Samson lauded the judiciary for upholding justice and reinforcing democratic principles, emphasizing that the judgment represents a victory not only for the Governor and his Deputy but also for democracy and the rule of law.

As a respected LCDA leader and advocate of community development, he called on the people of Ondo State to support the administration in its ongoing efforts to deliver democratic dividends and foster statewide development. He specifically praised projects such as the Oke-Aro/Idanre dualization initiative and the recently commissioned improvements on Oda Road.

“Your leadership style and determination in the face of opposition are commendable. This victory reinforces your legitimacy to govern the people of Ondo State. We are confident that your administration will continue to advance the interests of all citizens,” he stated.

He also praised the judiciary for its steadfast commitment to fairness and equity, saying, “This judgment inspires confidence in our judicial system as the last hope of the common man, upholding the rule of law and the integrity of our electoral process.”

Concluding his remarks, Barr. Samson said:

“This judgment, as delivered by the esteemed Court of Appeal, serves as a beacon of hope and a reaffirmation of democratic ideals. I once again congratulate our dear Governor, His Excellency Hon. Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and his Deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, on this victory. We pray that God continues to grant you the wisdom to govern for the betterment of all residents of Ondo State, regardless of party or ethno-religious affiliation.

“This landmark judgment sets a democratic milestone in Ondo State’s political history—an 18:0 promax and a locus classicus in Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence.”