In an unexpected turn of events, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, has annulled Asue Ighodalo’s candidacy for the upcoming Edo State governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This ruling follows a legal dispute concerning the conduct of the PDP primary election.
Justice Ekwo’s ruling, delivered on Thursday, declared the PDP’s primary election held on February 22 null and void. The court determined that the election did not comply with the regulations outlined in the Electoral Act of 2022, the guidelines for conducting elections, and the PDP’s own rules.
The judge identified significant issues with the election process, noting that 381 delegates, including the plaintiffs, were unjustly excluded from voting. The plaintiffs, representing a large group from across Edo State, presented evidence revealing the flawed election procedures. The court criticized the apparent fabrication of result sheets without adhering to proper election protocols, casting doubt on the fairness of the outcome.
The plaintiffs, led by Hon. Kelvin Mohammed, Mr. Gabriel Okoduwa, and Mr. Ederaho Osagie, brought the case against the PDP, its national secretary, the vice chairman for the South-South region, and INEC. They sought the court’s intervention to explain why delegates who were supposed to participate in the February 22 primaries were excluded.
Justice Ekwo’s decision emphasizes the importance of following legal procedures and ensuring fair elections. Despite INEC’s presence in court, its lack of a robust defense bolstered the plaintiffs’ case.
This ruling has created significant turmoil in Edo State and beyond, especially with the governorship election scheduled for September 21 approaching. Many are eager to see how the PDP will respond to this setback and its implications for the political landscape leading up to the election.
The court’s decision underscores the vital role of the judiciary in overseeing elections to ensure they are transparent and fair, maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. As the situation unfolds, this ruling is expected to have a significant impact on Edo State politics in the coming weeks.