Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South, has withdrawn his lawsuit against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The decision was announced on Tuesday, following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.
Senator Ibrahim had approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the outcome of the APC gubernatorial primary election in Ondo State, alleging that no voting took place in his senatorial district and a larger part of the state.
This led to his suspension from the party by the APC executives in Igbotako Ward II, Okitipupa Local Government Area, on grounds of alleged anti-party activities and insubordination.
Addressing journalists at the Senate, Ibrahim revealed that his decision to withdraw the suit was influenced by President Tinubu, who personally intervened in the matter. He read from a statement titled, “Presidential intervention and notice of withdrawal suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/588/2024.”
“The suit is now withdrawn due to the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR,” Ibrahim stated. “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. I will need to withdraw the case to enable him to chart a way forward.”
Ibrahim also recounted the efforts of Governor Aiyedatiwa to reconcile with him, noting a visit to his Asokoro residence and an earlier attempt to meet him in Akure. He emphasized his loyalty to President Tinubu, saying, “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 expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his wisdom and encouragement, adding, “The withdrawal of this legendary suit coincides with the first anniversary of Mr. President’s incredible performance in office, and this is my gift of the ‘cake’ of the first anniversary!”