Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said he is surprised that some individuals have taken legal action challenging his eligibility to contest a second term despite the fact that he has not declared any intention to run.
Aiyedatiwa made the clarification during a Live Media chat aired on Channels Television on Friday, where he addressed questions regarding legal debates surrounding his tenure.
The governor reacted to interpretations of a section of the Nigerian Constitution which states that a deputy governor who completes the tenure of a deceased or removed governor and is sworn in as substantive governor may not be eligible to be sworn in again for another term.
According to him, the issue has been unnecessarily raised even though he has not formally declared his intention to contest in any future election.
“I’ have not declared for a second term. I don’t know why people are taking me to court over my eligibility to run,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa explained that when the appropriate time comes, the judiciary will ultimately determine the interpretation of the law if the matter becomes necessary.
He also pointed out that the election timetable recently released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not indicate that the state will be holding a governorship election at the moment.
According to the governor, it is therefore puzzling that legal actions are being filed over what he described as a non-existent issue.
The Ondo governor previously served as deputy to the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, before assuming office as substantive governor following Akeredolu’s death.
Political observers say the debate over the interpretation of the constitutional provision regarding succession and tenure could become a significant legal and political issue in the state if Aiyedatiwa eventually declares interest in contesting another term.