• Lucky Aiyedatiwa

AHEAD of the 2028 governorship election in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been barred from re-contesting the seat.

Justice Adegoke of a Federal High Court sitting in Akure, delivered the judgement on Thursday, ruling that it would violate the constitutional limit of eight years in office if he re-contests in the election.

The court ruled that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) does not permit a president or governor to remain in office for more than eight years, relying on the Supreme Court’s decision in Marwa v. Nyako to support its position.

Aiyedatiwa first assumed office on 27 December 2023 following the death of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, and was later sworn in again on 24 February 2025 after he won the 16 November 2024 governorship election.

But ahead of the 2028 governorship election in the state, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Akin Egbuwalo, through his counsel, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), dragged the governor to court, seeking interpretation of Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution as it relates to Aiyedatiwa’s tenure.

The section, along with Section 182(3), provides that a person sworn in to complete the term of another elected official can only contest and serve one additional term.

Egbuwalo argued that since Aiyedatiwa had taken two oaths of office—first as successor to the late Governor Akeredolu and later as an elected governor—the Constitution limits him to only one additional term.

The court concluded that allowing Aiyedatiwa to contest again and potentially serve another four years would contradict the Supreme Court’s position that no president or governor can remain in office for more than eight years.

In a significant political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR, former Governor of Sokoto State and current Senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District, has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Senator Tambuwal announced his resignation in a letter dated March 11, 2026, addressed to the chairman of his ward in Tambuwal/Shinfiri Ward, Tambuwal Local Government Area, Sokoto State. The resignation took immediate effect.

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives (2011–2015) cited deep reflection and extensive consultations with political associates and supporters as the basis for his decision.

He pointed to persistent internal crises, leadership disagreements, and deepening divisions within the PDP, which he said had eroded the party’s unity and sense of direction.

“Persistent internal crises, leadership disagreements, and growing divisions within the party had made it increasingly difficult for me to continue my membership,” Senator Tambuwal stated. He lamented that these conflicts had weakened the unity that once characterized the PDP.

Despite his departure, the senator expressed appreciation to the PDP for the platforms it provided throughout his career, enabling him to serve Nigeria as Speaker of the House of Representatives and as Governor of Sokoto State (during his second term).

Following the resignation, Senator Tambuwal officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) along with his associates and supporters. He described the move as driven by his conviction that Nigeria requires a stronger political platform grounded in integrity, accountability, inclusiveness, and a firm commitment to national development.

“I am guided by the belief that our country needs a political vehicle that prioritizes these core values to advance democracy, justice, and national unity,” he affirmed.

The defection comes amid ongoing challenges in the PDP, including factional disputes and a series of high-profile exits in recent months.

The ADC, which has positioned itself as a credible alternative opposition force, has attracted several prominent figures in recent times as part of efforts to build a broad coalition for the 2027 polls.

Senator Tambuwal reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to serving Nigeria and upholding the principles of democracy, justice, and national cohesion.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that its internal battle is far from over following today’s Court of Appeal ruling upholding the suspension of key national officers, including the National Legal Adviser, and affirming earlier Federal High Court judgments.

In a press statement issued in response to the decision, the party described the judgment as one that would cause significant hardship to its members if fully implemented.

The ruling, delivered by a panel presided over by Hon. Justice Mohammed Ambi-Usi Danjuma, upheld the suspensions of the National Legal Adviser (Kamaldeen Ajibade), along with extensions to other officers such as the National Secretary (Senator Samuel Anyanwu) and National Organising Secretary (Umaru Bature).

It also confirmed the judgments from Justices James Omotosho and Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, while dismissing the appeal against interlocutory orders by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

The statement emphasized that the operational impact of the ruling would bring “untold hardship” on party members. To address this, the PDP revealed it is actively consulting with critical organs of the party on next steps while instructing its legal team to file an immediate appeal to the Supreme Court, the country’s apex court, for final adjudication.

“We are hopeful that the apex court will expeditiously settle this matter in the interest of democracy,” the statement read.

The PDP urged its supporters and members to remain resolute, expressing confidence that the ongoing struggle would ultimately end in victory. “We urge our members to stand firm, trusting that soon this battle will be over and we shall be more than conquerors,” it added.

The party framed the crisis as a broader fight to “rescue our party from the hands of government agents masquerading as opposition leaders,” vowing to continue the struggle with determination.

The Court of Appeal’s decision deepens the PDP’s protracted leadership and factional crisis, which has involved disputes over national conventions, disciplinary actions, and control of party structures.

No immediate comment has emerged from the suspended officers or opposing factions within the party.