Senator Jimoh Ibrahim who was an aspirant in the April 20 governorship primary of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ondo State, has confirmed withdrawal of the suit filed against All Progressives Congress (APC) , Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State.
He confirmed he made the decision due to the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.
The lawmaker, who represents Ondo South in the Senate, had instituted a law suit on account of his non acceptance of the outcome of the primary election. Ibrahim accused the party of jettisoning its guidelines in the conduct of the primary as well as described the process as a “mega fraud”, thereby, filed a suit seeking the annulment of the primary that returned Aiyedatiwa as the party’s flag bearer in the November poll.
Meanwhile, the Executives of the APC in Igbotako Ward II, Okitipupa local government area of Ondo, had announced the suspension Senator Ibrahim, over alleged anti-party activities and insubordination as a fallout of the primary.
In a notice of withdrawal filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja with suit no FHC/ABJ/CS/588/2024, Ibrahim stated that “the suit is now withdrawn due to the intervention of President Bola Tinubu. The President called me, had a meeting with me, and assured me that he will as the leader of the party improve on internal democracy within our party, and I will need to withdraw the case to enable him to chart a way forward.
“I cannot disobey the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because the issue am fighting for iis not personal. It is simply to improve internal democracy to which the President has promised improvement. My respect for the President is absolute!
“Let me use this opportunity to thank Mr President for the words of wisdom and encouragement during my meeting with him which lasted over one hour and his various interactions with me on the telephone during which he emphasized his commitment to internal democracy over and over again. Thank, Mr. President.
“The withdrawal of this legendary suit is concise with the first anniversary of Mr. President’s incredible performance in the office, and this is my gift of the “cake” of the first anniversary! Thank you All for your support.”
Reacting to this development, Dr. Kayode Ajulo SAN, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, lauded the legal team defending Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, INEC & APC.
He praised Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo SAN, Mr Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan SAN, and other lawyers for their robust and persuasive defense, which demonstrated Governor Aiyedatiwa’s legitimacy as the duly elected APC candidate.
“With unwavering conviction, the defence team presented an unassailable defence, bolstered by meticulous forensic analysis of facts and figures, which unequivocally established Governor Aiyedatiwa as the party’s unequivocal choice. This masterful presentation left no room for doubt, utterly demolishing the baseless claims of no Direct Primary Election by the APC in Ondo State, and silencing all opposition with the weight of irrefutable evidence.”
Ajulo also commended Senator Ibrahim for his dedication to the party and his touted deference to the President’s leadership. He urged all APC members in Ondo State to unify and support Governor Aiyedatiwa in delivering good governance and securing victory in the upcoming November governorship election.
