The Federal High Court in Abuja has declared the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship primary election in Edo State, which took place on February 22, 2024, invalid.
The election had produced Asue Ighodalo as the party’s candidate.
Justice Inyang Ekwo made the declaration while delivering judgment in a suit brought by aggrieved delegates, led by Kelvin Mohammed. The court found that 378 delegates were unlawfully excluded from the primary election, contrary to the Electoral Act 2022, PDP guidelines, and the party’s constitution.
The judge held that the evidence presented by the PDP was insufficient and lacked proof, indicating manipulation of result sheets by returning officers. The plaintiffs, however, successfully established their case through exhibits tendered.
The court’s decision comes after the plaintiffs, comprising 378 ad-hoc delegates loyal to the impeached Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, sued INEC, PDP, and its officials. They sought an order to stop the defendants from excluding them from participating in the primaries.
Justice Ekwo declared, “I find that the plaintiffs’ case succeeds on its merits.” The court’s decision is a significant development in the political landscape of Edo State, with implications for the upcoming governorship election.
