Governor Aiyedatiwa Dismisses Eligibility Lawsuit as "Futuristic," Cites Constitutional Immunity Ahead of 2028

Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa dismisses the 2028 eligibility lawsuit as premature, citing immunity and the "futuristic" nature of the legal challenge.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 7, 2026, 10:11 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Punch

Constitutional Immunity and the Challenge of "Futuristic" Litigation

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has formally responded to the brewing constitutional debate regarding his eligibility to seek a second full term in the 2028 governorship election. During a media interaction at the Government House in Akure, the Governor criticized recent legal actions brought against him, characterizing them as premature attempts to litigate a "futuristic" event. Aiyedatiwa emphasized that as a sitting governor, he enjoys constitutional immunity from such civil proceedings. He argued that any challenge to his eligibility can only be validly raised once the official electoral process for 2028 has commenced, noting that he has yet to declare any intention to run.

The Legal Backdrop: Section 137(3) and the 2028 Question

The controversy stems from the interpretation of Section 137(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, which deals with the number of times an individual can be sworn in as governor. Aiyedatiwa first took the oath of office in December 2023 to complete the term of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, and was sworn in again in February 2025 following his victory in the state governorship election. An APC chieftain, Dr. Akin Egbuwalo, filed a suit seeking to prevent a third swearing-in. While a judgment was initially expected in January, the Court of Appeal in Akure has since suspended the lower court's ruling pending the determination of an appellate review.

Governor Defends APC Unity Amidst Post-Congress Grievances

Beyond the legal disputes, Governor Aiyedatiwa addressed the internal health of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State following the conclusion of party congresses at the ward, local government, and state levels. While acknowledging that different interests naturally lead to grievances within the political space, the Governor maintained that the party remains a united front. He refuted reports of a deepening rift within the APC, asserting that the party would officially release the results of the congresses in due course. He characterized the friction as a normal byproduct of the political process rather than a sign of systemic division.