The Federal High Court in Abuja has invalidated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election that resulted in the selection of Asue Ighodalo as the gubernatorial candidate.
The recent ruling by Justice Inyang Ekwo at the Federal High Court in Abuja has reverberated through the political landscape of Edo State.
The ruling, nullifying the PDP primary election held on February 22, 2024, marks a critical juncture in the state’s upcoming gubernatorial elections.
Justice Inyang Ekwo’s judgment was based on fundamental violations of electoral laws and party guidelines.
The court established that 378 delegates were unlawfully excluded from participating in the primary election, a direct breach of both the Electoral Act 2022 and the PDP Guidelines.
Kelvin Mohammed, representing the aggrieved delegates, brought the lawsuit against the PDP. Justice Ekwo emphasized that the evidence presented by the plaintiffs was substantial in proving their case against the defendants.
The judge criticised the preparation of result sheets, suggesting they were fabricated to favour certain candidates.
While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) appeared in court, it refrained from actively participating in the proceedings, choosing instead to abide by the court’s decision.
The aggrieved delegates sought a court order to prevent the exclusion of themselves and 378 others from participating in the primaries. They argued that this exclusion was unjust and contrary to democratic principles.
Despite the court ruling, the PDP in Edo State has stood firm on its decision to uphold Asue Ighodalo as its gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming elections.
