Following the Court of Appeal’s affirmation of the election of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, a prominent political figure, grassroots mobilizer, and former SDP Deputy Governorship candidate, Erelu Susan Gbemisola Alabi, has extended warm congratulations to the governor while commending the judiciary for what she described as “a courageous and just ruling.”
Erelu Alabi, who has since aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the ruling as a strong validation of the people’s will and a welcome relief from distractions aimed at undermining the mandate freely given during the polls.
The appellate court, sitting in Akure, dismissed the appeal brought by Olugbenga Edema of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), which sought to challenge the APC primary process.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Oyebisi Omoleye, the court upheld the Federal High Court’s earlier decision that found the case lacking in merit and substance, especially after the NNPP withdrew from the suit.
Reacting to the outcome, Erelu Alabi praised the judiciary for standing firm on the principles of fairness and constitutional integrity. She noted that the judgment has not only reaffirmed the mandate freely given to Governor Aiyedatiwa by the people of Ondo State but has also sent a strong signal against politically motivated litigation.
“This victory is not just for Governor Aiyedatiwa and the APC; it is a victory for democracy, for truth, and the people of Ondo State. The Court of Appeal has once again demonstrated the strength and independence of our judiciary. I wholeheartedly congratulate His Excellency and urge him to continue the good work of governance without distraction, ” She said.
Erelu Alabi, known for her strong advocacy for women in politics and development-focused leadership, expressed confidence that the reaffirmed mandate will further empower the Aiyedatiwa administration to deepen reforms, drive development, and foster unity across the state.
