A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the conduct of the primary election of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state which produced Asue Ighodalo as the party’s flag bearer in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.
In his ruling, Justice Inyang Ekwo held that the election process which happened on February 22, 2024, failed to comply with the provisions of the electoral act 2022; the guidelines for the conduct of the poll and the party’s constitution. The presiding judge also held that the exhibits tendered by the PDP did not meet evidentiary standards while those presented by the plaintiffs was more compelling.
He also held that the exclusion of the 381 delegates, including the plaintiffs, was against the provisions of the law.
“I found that the case of the plaintiffs succeeds on merit,” he said.
He also lamented the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to do more than agree to abide by the ruling of the court.
The suit was instituted by one Honourable Kelvin Mohammed, Mr. Gabriel Okoduwa and Mr. Ederaho Osagie, who are perceived to be loyal to the impeached deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, on behalf of others in 12 local government areas and 127 wards.
