The Ondo State governorship election of November 16, 2024, has spawned a legal battle with a twist. Gbenga Edema, the governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), initiated a lawsuit challenging the eligibility of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his running mate, Dr. Olayide Adelami, to contest the election. Edema’s suit, filed before the election, sought the court’s interpretation of Section 15 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) concerning the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination process that produced Aiyedatiwa as its candidate. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC, Aiyedatiwa, and Adelami were named as defendants. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the NNPP’s national leadership has disavowed Edema’s legal action, creating a rift between the party and its own candidate.
During a court hearing on December 10, 2024, the NNPP’s National Legal Adviser, Robert Hon, distanced the party from the lawsuit. Hon unequivocally stated that the NNPP had not authorized any legal proceedings against Aiyedatiwa and Adelami. He presented a letter to the court, urging the removal of the NNPP’s name from the case. This letter, addressed to Adelanke Akinrata, the NNPP’s counsel, explicitly instructed the withdrawal of the party from the suit. It asserted that the NNPP, the second plaintiff in the case, did not instruct Edema, the first plaintiff, or anyone else to sue the defendants on its behalf, adding that the legal adviser’s office could provide further details. This unexpected move throws the future of the lawsuit into uncertainty, as it seemingly strips Edema of the party’s backing in his legal challenge.
Aiyedatiwa’s counsel, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), seized upon this development, presenting the NNPP’s letter to the court and urging the plaintiffs to withdraw the suit entirely. Remi Olatubora (SAN), another defense counsel, echoed this sentiment, describing the unauthorized use of the NNPP’s name as “scandalous” and calling for the dismissal of the case. The defense argued that Edema’s action lacked the necessary support and authorization from the party he represented, rendering the suit flawed and unsustainable. This legal maneuver placed Edema in a precarious position, potentially isolating him in his legal challenge against the incumbent governor and his deputy.
Edema, however, has remained defiant in the face of his party’s disavowal. He questioned the authenticity of the letter presented by the defense, suggesting it might be a tactic employed by his opponents. He vowed to investigate the letter’s origins and confirm its legitimacy. Edema’s stance indicates his determination to pursue the case despite the evident lack of support from his party. He expressed his intention to consult with NNPP officials to verify the claims made in the letter, indicating his belief that the national leadership might have been misled or misrepresented. He maintained that the case had just begun and that the court’s receipt of the letter didn’t automatically invalidate his claims.
The presiding judge, Justice Toyin Adegoke, acknowledged the complexity of the situation. She noted the suit’s filing date in November and the five-month timeframe available for deliberation. Justice Adegoke adjourned the case to February 3, 2025, to allow time for further investigation and clarification of the issues raised. This adjournment provides Edema with an opportunity to gather evidence supporting his claims and potentially reconcile with the NNPP leadership or demonstrate alternative grounds for proceeding with the case independent of the party’s official endorsement.
The legal battle surrounding the Ondo State governorship election now hinges on several key factors. Edema’s ability to verify the authenticity of the NNPP’s letter of disavowal is crucial. If he can prove the letter is fraudulent or unauthorized, he might regain his party’s support and strengthen his case. Alternatively, he might have to demonstrate sufficient grounds to proceed with the lawsuit independently, arguing that the matter of constitutional interpretation transcends party affiliations. The court’s decision on February 3, 2025, will significantly impact the trajectory of the case and potentially influence the political landscape of Ondo State. The judge’s ruling will determine whether Edema’s challenge can proceed, impacting the legitimacy of Aiyedatiwa’s governorship. This legal drama unfolds against the backdrop of a keenly contested election, adding another layer of complexity to the political dynamics of Ondo State.
