Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has made a surprising announcement, withdrawing his lawsuit against the APC, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The lawsuit, originally filed in response to alleged irregularities during the governorship primary election, has been withdrawn by Senator Ibrahim as a gesture of respect for President Bola Tinubu.
At a press briefing held in Abuja, Senator Ibrahim disclosed that his decision to withdraw the lawsuit came after President Tinubu’s intervention, which involved both telephone conversations and a lengthy physical meeting at the Villa lasting over an hour.
He stressed that the withdrawal was not a personal matter but a pursuit to safeguard internal party democracy, which he believed was compromised during the primary election.
The primary election, conducted on April 20, 2024, across Ondo State’s 18 local government councils, saw Governor Aiyedatiwa declared as the winner. However, Senator Ibrahim contested the outcome, leading to legal action against the APC, Governor Aiyedatiwa, and INEC.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for his guidance and assurance during their meeting, Senator Ibrahim highlighted the president’s commitment to enhancing internal party democracy. He also acknowledged Governor Aiyedatiwa’s prior visit to his residence in Asokoro before the withdrawal of the lawsuit.
“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 pledged commitment. My respect for the President is unwavering,” the Lawmaker affirmed.
