Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been stopped from contesting the 2028 governorship election in the state The Federal High Court in Akure, the state capital, gave the ruling on Thursday, March 12, citing the Supreme Court judgment that presidents and governors can spend more than eight years in office Thus, the governor, who has been sworn in twice, would be spending more than eight years should he win the 2028 governorship election

The Federal High Court sitting in Akure, the Ondo state capital, has ruled that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state did not have the legal right to contest the 2028 governorship election in the state.

According to the trial court, electing the governor would be a violation of the constitutional limit of eight years in office. Justice Adegoke delivered the judgment that Aiyedatiwa cannot seek re-election in 2028 on Thursday, March 12.

Recall that Aiyedatiwa first assumed office on December 27, 2023, after the death of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. He was again sworn in on February 24, 2025, after he was declared the winner of the November 16, 2024, governorship election in the state.

According to The Tribune, the court held that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) does not allow a president or governor to stay in office for over eight years, citing the decision of the Supreme Court in Marwa v. Nyako to support its claim. A member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Akin Egbuwalo, through his lawyer, Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), sought the interpretation of Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as it relates to the tenure of the governor.

Reacting to the court ruling in an interview on Channels TV, the governor explained that he did not see it coming, citing that he was only in office to govern and was not even thinking of re-election for now. He added that he will only contest if the people want him to continue and the constitution permits it.

His comment has started generating reactions from Nigerians. Below are some of their comments:

Safety Cabal

“The Governor is more interested in future opportunities to contest; he has not justified the essence of his being elected. I pity the people of Ondo State.”

Okilori criticised the governor:

“Ondo state is so unfortunate to have this man as Governor. Despite all support masses gave him during Aketi situation and sickness.”

Taiwo alleged that the governor did not have any capital project to point to:

“Baba won do another term by fire by force, the man no get anything to offer the state, no better capital project , 3 more years to go.”

Onyeka Clinton urged the media house to fix the transmission problem:

“Does this station know that its clips blink? Please, they should work on it so that it will be easy for us to watch online post. Sometimes I wonder if they don’t notice it.”

Court Ruling On Re-election: I Never Saw It Coming; I Have To Hire Lawyers To Defend Me; We'll Face It, says Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo State Governor. #PoliticsToday pic.twitter.com/QkRREAcvcy

— Channels Television (@channelstv) March 12, 2026

Senator Ipalibo Banigo has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Banigo’s defection letter was read on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

As reported by The Punch, the federal lawmaker said her decision to join APC is to advance development in Rivers State and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Banigo, representing Rivers West Senatorial District, said her decision is intended to align politically with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

“The decision follows extensive consultations with my constituents, my political associates, and critical stakeholders across my senatorial district, given the prevailing internal divisions, protracted leadership disputes, and ongoing litigations within the People’s Democratic Party, which have adversely affected cohesion.

“This decision is also predicated on my resolve to join my political mentor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, in supporting President Bola Tinubu, to actualize his re-election bids and enable the President to continue his evident economic reforms, which have significantly improved the economic situation, enhanced currency stability, and driven numerous infrastructural developments across our dear nation.”

Zamfara state deputy governor, Mani Malam Mummuni, has announced the defection of the state’s leadership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The news means President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has further consolidated his political grip across Nigeria following the defection of the Zamfara state government to the APC.

In a video that has gone viral, the announcement was made by Zamfara Deputy Governor Mani Malam Mummuni on behalf of Governor Dauda Lawal, confirming that the state leadership had formally aligned with the ruling party.

The move widens Tinubu’s influence at the subnational level, with the APC now governing more than 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states. The development reinforces the party’s dominance as 2027 general elections draw near.