The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the case filed by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim challenging the results of the All Progressives Congress governorship primary election held in Ondo State on April 20, 2024.
When the case was called, Olakunle Lawal, representing the plaintiff (Senator Ibrahim) informed the court of a notice of withdrawal dated May 27, 2024, but filed on May 29, 2024.
Counsel for the APC, Matthew Burka, SAN, confirmed receipt of the notice and stated that he had no objection. “We have been served with the notice of withdrawal and we raise no objection,” Burka said.
Bode Olanipekun, SAN, appeared with Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Charles Edosomwan, SAN, appeared with Suleiman Ibrahim, SAN representing the Independent National Electoral Commission, also acknowledged receipt of the notice and expressed no objections.
Edosomwan added, “Although we have no objection, it is important for the plaintiff to work with the Governor as members of the same political family.”
After hearing from all counsel, Justice Inyang Ekwo held that the appropriate action was to dismiss the case since the defendants had already engaged with the plaintiff’s claims.
“The proper order to make in the circumstances is to dismiss the case of the plaintiff since the defendants have joined issues with him,” Justice Ekwo ruled. The case was accordingly dismissed.
Senator Ibrahim had challenged the APC primary elections, which on April 20, 2024, declared Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa the winner.
