Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has dismissed a Federal High Court ruling that barred him from seeking a second term in office.
On Thursday, a court in Akure prohibited Aiyedatiwa from contesting a fresh term in 2028.
Speaking on Friday during a live interview on Channels Television, the governor described the judgment as an unnecessary distraction, stressing that he has never indicated an intention to run for another term.
He added that social media reports had misrepresented the situation and noted that there is currently no timetable for the next governorship election in the state.
“I would like to start with just clarifying a bit of sanity as regards to this matter,” Aiyedatiwa said.
“Let me establish some truth so that the general public can have a better understanding of what has been and what is now.
The governor insisted that he had never informed anyone of plans to contest another election.
“The truth is that I have never at any time declared to anybody that I am going to contest an election,” he said.
“It is not time for any governorship election in this state. There is no timetable. There is no sign of any election and I have not expressed interest at any time that I am going to run for the office of the governor again because it is not yet time.”
The governor said he did not institute the case to seek clarification on his eligibility to contest another election.
The suit was filed by other individuals seeking judicial interpretation of the issue, with assurances that the litigation would not distract him from governance.
“I don’t feel any form of distraction. I feel good and I will continue doing my work for the good people of Ondo state,” he said.
The governor said he is focused on delivering on the mandate he received from voters in the November 16, 2024, governorship election.
“I completed the tenure of my late principal, and I contested the election, which I won on November 16, 2024. It is still fresh,” he said.
“I have never thought about any other election other than delivering on the fresh mandate that has been given to me.”
The governor said he is aware of constitutional provisions relating to tenure limits for deputies who complete the tenure of their principals. He, however, said he has not begun considering another contest.
On whether he would challenge the verdict, the governor said he is yet to see details of the ruling.
He said he would consult his lawyers before deciding on the next step.
“The judgement delivered by the Federal High Court in Akure is a judgement of the court. I have not seen the details. My lawyers will look at it and advise,” he said.