The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has dismissed a recent court ruling reportedly barring him from contesting a future governorship election, describing the judgement as an “unnecessary distraction.”

Speaking during a live interview on Channels Television, the governor said he had never declared interest in seeking re-election, stressing that discussions around the 2028 governorship race were premature.

The governor said public debate around the case had been fuelled by misconceptions circulating on social media.

“I would like to start with just clarifying a bit of sanity as regards to this matter. Let me establish some truth so that the general public can have a better understanding of what has been and what is now,” he said.

“A lot has been said on social media and there are a lot of misconceptions and opinions trying to distort the truth.”

Why it matters

The controversy follows a ruling by the Federal High Court in Akure concerning Aiyedatiwa’s eligibility to contest another governorship election.

The case centres on constitutional debates over whether a deputy governor who completes the tenure of a deceased governor can still run for two additional terms.

Aiyedatiwa first assumed office after the death of former governor Rotimi Akeredolu and later won the governorship election held on November 16, 2024.

The ruling has sparked wider legal and political discussions about term limits and constitutional interpretation in Nigeria’s democratic system.

“I never declared interest in another election”

Aiyedatiwa insisted he had not begun any process toward a new electoral bid.

“But the truth is that I have never at any time declared to anybody that I am going to contest an election. I have said this about a year ago.”

“It is not time for any governorship election in this state. There is no timetable. There is no sign of any election.”

“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 also clarified that he did not initiate the court case, saying it was filed by other individuals seeking interpretation of constitutional provisions.

Focus on governance

Despite the legal debate, Aiyedatiwa said the development would not distract him from governing the state.

“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.”

“I want to fulfil the promises that I made during my campaign and ensure that I deliver.”

He added that his current focus remains on the mandate he secured in the 2024 governorship election.

“I had an 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. I have never thought about any other election other than delivering on the fresh mandate that has been given to me.”

Constitutional debate over tenure

The governor acknowledged that the constitution contains provisions regarding tenure for deputies who assume office after their principal’s death.

However, he said he had not begun considering the implications for a future political contest.

“You have to take things step by step even though I am aware of the constitutional provisions that say a deputy who completes the tenure of his principal can only continue one more time.”

“I also know that the law talks about a Nigerian having the right to contest for the same position a maximum of two times which is eight years.”

“Those provisions are there but I have not even gone into that thinking because the election is still fresh.”

Legal experts say the case could eventually set an important constitutional precedent if it reaches the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Denial of rift within APC

Aiyedatiwa also rejected claims that he was pushing political rivals out of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State.

“It is not possible because politics is a game of numbers. Rather I want more people to join our party, the APC.”

“Some people may have different interests but the party is so big that you cannot drive anybody away.”

He also denied any political rift with the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

“The young man you mentioned, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, I don’t have any issue with him.”

“If you ask him, he will tell you he does not have any issue with me.”

“Politics is laden with interest and people have different interests, so sometimes you see push and pull.”

Stakeholder expansion in Ondo APC

The governor said he had actually expanded participation within party structures since assuming office.

According to him, stakeholder meetings previously had only 10 representatives from each local government.

“When I came on board as governor, I inherited a list of 10 members from each local government for stakeholders’ meetings.”

“I expanded it to 20 per local government and later increased it to 30.”

“Today we have 60 stakeholders per local government attending meetings every quarter.”

That brings the total number of participants to 1,080 members, he said.

What happens next?

Aiyedatiwa said he had not yet studied the court judgement in detail.

He said his lawyers would review the ruling before deciding whether to challenge it.

“The judgement delivered by the Federal High Court in Akure is a judgement of the court. I have not seen the details. I only heard about it.”

“My lawyers will look at it and if there is room for seeking further interpretation they will advise.”

He added that the judicial system allows cases to move through multiple levels of appeal, including the Court of Appeal of Nigeria and the Supreme Court.

“This is the first time this kind of case is happening in the constitution of Nigeria.”

“We must look at it carefully so that there will be an authority on the matter for the future.”

A political dispute is intensifying in Apapa Local Government Area of Lagos State after the council chairman, Senbanjo Idowu Adejumoke, reportedly refused to swear in several supervisory councillors and the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG) nominated for the council.

The development has raised concerns among party leaders and local officials who fear the standoff could slow governance at the grassroots level.

Officials say the Lagos State Government recently transmitted a list of supervisors and key council officials to local government chairmen across the state to enable them form executive teams and begin administrative work.

The directive was issued through the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

However, while many council chairmen across the state have sworn in their nominees, the situation in Apapa has taken a different turn.

Investigations suggest that Adejumoke has declined to swear in the SLG and several supervisors included in the list.

Sources within the political structure in Apapa say the chairman is currently running the council with only two supervisors whom she reportedly prefers to work with.

Why it matters

Local government executives play a central role in coordinating grassroots administration.

Supervisory councillors oversee key departments such as health, works, education and finance.

Stakeholders question decision

According to party insiders, the list of supervisors and the SLG was compiled by party leaders and influential stakeholders involved in the political process that produced Adejumoke as chairman.

But the chairman has reportedly rejected the arrangement.

Sources say she believes the officials were politically imposed on her administration and has insisted she will only work with individuals she trusts.

Some party stakeholders have criticised the move.

They argue that refusing to swear in the nominees could undermine party discipline and administrative coordination.

One party official familiar with the situation described the development as “a troubling signal that could create unnecessary tension within the party.”

Industry and political reactions

Political watchers say the dispute highlights long-standing tensions within local government politics in Lagos.

Analysts say conflicts over appointments are not uncommon in Nigeria’s local government system, where party structures often play a strong role in determining executive teams.

What’s next

With the chairman maintaining her stance, Apapa Local Government is currently operating with a limited executive structure.

Party leaders and government authorities are expected to intervene if the standoff continues.

Observers say the next steps taken by Lagos authorities could determine whether the dispute escalates or is resolved internally within the party.

For now, the situation has placed the spotlight firmly on Adejumoke’s leadership and the broader relationship between local government autonomy and party influence in Lagos politics.

A political mobilisation group in Lagos has launched a campaign encouraging grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

The campaign, organised by the SMA Gold Movement, was unveiled during a gathering on Wednesday at the Police College Ikeja in Lagos.

Organisers say the mobilisation is aimed at strengthening support for the president’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and encouraging political participation across the state.

Why it matters

Nigeria’s next general election is expected in 2027, and political groups have begun early mobilisation efforts across the country.

Supporters of President Tinubu say the campaign is designed to highlight the administration’s infrastructure policies and encourage grassroots engagement.

Convener of the SMA Gold Movement, Dr Samuel Mawuyon Ajose (SMA Gold), said the gathering was partly organised to recognise the president’s leadership and development agenda.

“We are gathered to honour our father and to reflect on the direction of the country,” he said.

He added that infrastructure development remained central to national growth.

“For any economy or country, infrastructure is critical. It is the backbone of development,” he told supporters.

Dr Ajose also said the event aimed to discuss political strategy across Lagos State’s 57 local government areas.

“This gathering is about direction and about the future of our state, our children, and Nigeria,” he said.

Calls for grassroots mobilisation

Several speakers at the event urged supporters to begin political mobilisation ahead of the next election cycle.

In his goodwill message, Alhaji Moshood Mayegun called on citizens to ensure they possess valid voter registration documents.

“Now is the time to build awareness and support for the upcoming election,” he said.

“Everyone must keep their Permanent Voter Cards safe and help others obtain theirs.”

Nigeria’s voter card system is managed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which requires registered voters to present a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) before participating in elections.

Mayegun said grassroots awareness would be critical.

“Reach out to your neighbours, your friends, your parents and your children so that they can register and participate.”

Youth participation highlighted

Youth engagement was also a central theme during the gathering.

Sunday David, the Lagos State youth representative of the All Progressives Congress, said young Nigerians should play a more active role in politics.

“The future is not something we should wait for,” he said.

“It exists today in the dreams, ideas and voices of young people.”

He encouraged youth participation in governance and decision-making.

“Politics determines education, opportunities and the future. Young people must organise, participate and engage productively,” he said.

Political support messages

Another speaker, Hon. Lanre Ogbe, expressed confidence that the president would retain office in the next election cycle.

“There will be no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027,” he said.

Ogbe also called for widespread mobilisation across Lagos State.

He said supporters were aiming for a significant voter turnout in favour of the president.

“Asiwaju leads and others follow,” he added.

Industry and political reactions

Political analysts say early mobilisation campaigns are becoming increasingly common in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Analysts note that grassroots mobilisation, youth engagement and voter registration drives are often used to build early momentum ahead of elections.

However, observers also say voters will likely judge political campaigns based on economic performance, governance outcomes and policy impact.

What’s next

Nigeria’s electoral cycle means political activity will likely intensify over the next two years.

Campaign groups and political parties are expected to expand outreach efforts, particularly in key states such as Lagos.

For many observers, the coming months will test whether early mobilisation translates into sustained political support.