The Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Jimoh Ibrahim, has formally withdrawn a lawsuit aimed at nullifying the primary election that led to the emergence of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Aiyedatiwa emerged as the All Progressives Congress gubernatorial candidate for the forthcoming election in Ondo State from the April 20 primary election.
Dissatisfied with the outcome, Senator Ibrahim approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, citing irregularities.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Ibrahim cited a personal intervention by President Bola Tinubu as the reason for his decision to withdraw the lawsuit. He stated that Tinubu assured him of his commitment to enhancing internal democracy within the party.
“Based on his assurances and leadership, I have decided to withdraw the case to support his efforts to pave a new way forward for our party,” Ibrahim said.
He also acknowledged Aiyedatiwa’s efforts and urged the public to view the withdrawn suit as a gesture to mark Tinubu’s one year in office.
The statement, titled “Presidential intervention and notice of withdrawal suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/588/2024,” emphasized Ibrahim’s respect for Tinubu, stating that he could never disobey him.
“The suit is now withdrawn due to the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The President called me and had a meeting with me.
“He assured me that he would as the leader of the party improve on internal democracy within our party, and I would need to withdraw the case to enable him to chart a way forward.
“The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa earlier visited my Asokoro residence for several hours after another unsuccessful visit to my hotel room in Akure.
“I cannot disobey the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because the issue I am fighting for is not personal.
“It is simply to improve internal democracy to which the President has promised improvement. My respect for the President is absolute!”
He also thanked the President for his wisdom and encouragement during their meeting, stating that the withdrawal of the lawsuit coincides with the first anniversary of Tinubu’s remarkable performance in office.
“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 you, Mr. President.” Ibrahim noted.
Meanwhile, the APC in Igbotako Ward II, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, suspended Ibrahim over alleged anti-party activities. However, another group of 55 party members from the same ward and local government disagreed with the suspension, passing a vote of confidence in the senator.
