Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Withdraws Lawsuit Against APC and INEC Following Presidential Intervention

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Ondo State, has withdrawn his lawsuit against the APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The suit alleged irregularities in the governorship primary held last month. The decision to withdraw was influenced by interventions from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Senator Ibrahim explained that he decided to drop the suit after a series of phone calls and a personal meeting with President Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, which lasted over an hour.

Senator Ibrahim initially filed the lawsuit following the APC primary election on April 20, 2024, across Ondo State’s 18 local government councils. He contested the primary’s legitimacy, accusing the electoral panel, led by Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, of undermining internal party democracy. Governor Aiyedatiwa had been declared the winner of this primary.

Senator Ibrahim stressed that his litigation aimed to ensure internal party democracy, not for personal gain. “The suit is now withdrawn due to the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The President called me, had a meeting with me, and assured me that he will, as the leader of the party, improve internal democracy within our party, and I will need to withdraw the case to enable him to chart a way forward,” he stated.

He further disclosed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa visited his Asokoro residence and previously attempted to meet him 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,” Senator Ibrahim affirmed.

Senator Ibrahim expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for his wisdom and encouragement during their meeting and various phone interactions, where the President repeatedly emphasized his commitment to enhancing internal party democracy.

“The withdrawal of this suit coincides with the first anniversary of Mr. President’s incredible performance in office, and this is my gift for the first anniversary,” he concluded, underscoring his respect and support for President Tinubu’s leadership.

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