The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Ekwo, today Thursday declared that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) nomination processes in the Edo State governorship primaries were non-compliant with the organisation’s own constitution and regulations.
As a result, the court set aside all processes leading to the Edo PDP governorship primaries held on February 22nd, 2024.
However, a statement by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Edo PDP Chairman, said the ruling did not affect its candidate Asue Ighodalo, who emerged from the primary election.
Some have interpreted the court’s decision to mean that the PDP has no candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial election on September 21st in Edo State, and consequently, Asue Ighodalo and the PDP would not be on the ballot for this critical election.
A Press Release by the PDP State Chairman said: “The PDP is aware that certain elements who are scared of the soaring popularity of our candidate Dr Asue Ighodalo are going about peddling rumors that the candidature of Dr Asue Ighodalo has been nullified.
“Let it be on record that the candidature of Dr Asue Ighodalo as the flag bearer of the party for the 2024 elections remains intact and that the judgement of the Federal High court in Abuja did not in any way affect the candidature of Dr Asue Ighodalo
“We urge our teeming loyal supporters to remain calm and resolute as there is no cause for alarm.”
Justice Ekwo nullified the primary election while delivering judgment in a suit instituted by the aggrieved delegates.
The suit was instituted by Mr. Kelvin Mohammed in a representative capacity.
Justice Ekwo held that both the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and the PDP Guidelines were violated in the conduct of the primary election at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin.
