Ondo Tribunal Judgment Leak Claim by Ajayi Triggers APC’s Demand for Apology

The Ondo State governorship election tribunal, chaired by Justice Benson Ogbu, delivered a unanimous judgment on June 4, 2025, affirming APC’s Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the winner and dismissing the petitions filed by PDP’s Agboola Ajayi and others due to lack of merit.

After the verdict, APC supporters took to the streets of Akure in celebration. Ajayi, however, alleged that the APC had prior knowledge of the judgment, which explained their early celebrations. He expressed dissatisfaction with the tribunal’s ruling and declared his intention to appeal.

In reaction, the Ondo APC demanded that Ajayi and the PDP issue an unreserved apology to the judiciary and voters, condemning the leak allegation as an unwarranted attack on the integrity of the judicial system. The party’s media director, Steve Otaloro, accused the PDP of undermining the democratic process and called for respect for the election outcome.

Ajayi maintained that the tribunal failed to give due consideration to the evidence presented and pledged to continue his legal fight despite challenges facing the judiciary. He encouraged his supporters to remain hopeful for justice in the state.

This episode reflects the deep political divisions following the Ondo tribunal’s ruling, with the APC defending the judicial process and election results, while the PDP questions the fairness and transparency of the judgment.