In a decisive ruling, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja declared the February 22, 2024, Edo PDP governorship primary invalid due to the unlawful exclusion of 378 delegates. This ruling voids the primary that produced Asue Ighodalo as the party’s candidate.
In a significant legal development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary held on February 22, 2024, invalid. The primary had selected Asue Ighodalo as the PDP’s candidate for the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.
Justice Inyang Ekwo delivered this landmark judgment on Thursday in response to a lawsuit filed by aggrieved delegates, represented by Kelvin Mohammed. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/165/2024, challenged the legitimacy of the primary election based on the exclusion of eligible delegates.
The court found that 378 delegates, who were supposed to participate in the voting process, were unlawfully excluded by the PDP. Justice Ekwo ruled that this exclusion invalidated the entire primary process, rendering the election results null and void.
“This ruling underscores the importance of adhering to democratic principles and ensuring the inclusion of all eligible delegates in the election process,” Justice Ekwo stated. He emphasized that the exclusion of these delegates was a significant breach of electoral conduct and could not be overlooked.
The decision has significant implications for the PDP in Edo State, as the party must now address the legal and organizational issues highlighted by the court. It also places a spotlight on the need for transparency and fairness in the conduct of party primaries across Nigeria.
The court’s ruling calls for a re-evaluation of the PDP’s internal electoral processes to prevent future occurrences of such legal disputes. It also stresses the importance of inclusivity in party activities to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
The PDP is expected to respond to this ruling and outline the steps it will take to rectify the situation. This may include organizing a new primary election to select a governorship candidate in compliance with the court’s directives.
As the story develops, further details and reactions from the PDP and other stakeholders in Edo State are anticipated. This ruling serves as a reminder of the judiciary’s role in upholding democratic values and ensuring fair play in the political arena.
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