28th May 2024
Senator representing Ondo South and former governorship aspirant, Jimoh Ibrahim, has withdrawn the suit he instituted challenging the outcome of the All Progressives Congress primary which produced Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the party’s candidate for the off-season governorship election slated for November by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC).
Senator Ibrahim had approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, to seek the nullification of the APC primary held last April as he alleged that the exercise was unlawful and fraudulent.
The lawmaker had since been suspended by his Igbotako Ward II, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, which accused him of anti-party activities.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday at the National Assembly complex, Senator Ibrahim said he took the decision to halt the pending litigation in deference to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whom he revealed personally intervened.
He said: “The suit is now withdrawn due to the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The President called me, had a meeting with me, and assured me that he will as the leader of the party improve on internal democracy within our party, and I will 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!
“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 emphasised his commitment to internal democracy over and over again. Thank you, Mr. President.Gentlemen of the Press.
“The withdrawal of this legendary suit is concise with the first anniversary of Mr. President’s incredible performance in office, and this is my gift of the “cake” of the first anniversary! Thank you all for your support.”
