Senator Jimoh Ibrahim withdraws suit against APC, Aiyedatiwa, INEC …says action mark of respect for President Tinubu

By Iyojo Ameh

In a dramatic turn of events, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim of the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Ondo South has announced the withdrawal of his lawsuit against the APC, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The lawsuit, which was filed in response to alleged irregularities during the governorship primary election, has been withdrawn by Senator Ibrahim as a mark of respect for President Bola Tinubu.

Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja, Senator Ibrahim revealed that the decision to withdraw the lawsuit came after a series of interventions by President Tinubu.

These interventions included both phone calls and a physical meeting held at the Villa, lasting over an hour.

Senator Ibrahim emphasized that the withdrawal of the lawsuit was not a personal matter but aimed at ensuring internal party democracy, which he believed was compromised during the primary election.

The primary election, conducted on April 20, 2024, across the 18 local government councils in Ondo State, resulted in Governor Aiyedatiwa being declared as the winner. However, Senator Ibrahim challenged the outcome and initiated legal proceedings against the APC, Governor Aiyedatiwa, and INEC.

Senator Ibrahim expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his “words of wisdom and encouragement” during their meeting and reiterated the president’s commitment to improving internal democracy within the party. He also acknowledged Governor Aiyedatiwa’s efforts, mentioning a visit to his residence in Asokoro prior to 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 promised improvement. My respect for the President is absolute!” Senator Ibrahim stated.

The withdrawal of the lawsuit coincides with the first anniversary of President Tinubu’s tenure in office, which Senator Ibrahim referred to as his “gift of the ‘cake’ of the first anniversary.”