A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the PDP primary election that selected Asue Ighodalo as the Edo governorship candidate, citing non-compliance with the Electoral Act and party guidelines. The court ruled in favor of 381 excluded delegates, highlighting procedural irregularities in the primary process.
On Thursday, a Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election that had selected Asue Ighodalo as the candidate for the forthcoming Edo governorship election. Justice Inyang Ekwo ruled that the primary, conducted on February 22, did not comply with the Electoral Act of 2022, the guidelines for the poll, or the party’s constitution.
Justice Ekwo pointed out that Exhibit PDP 1, provided by the party, lacked substantial evidence. In contrast, the plaintiffs effectively demonstrated their case against the defendants through their exhibits. The judge discovered that the returning officers responsible for the results had fabricated the outcomes without following due process. Furthermore, the exclusion of 381 delegates, including the plaintiffs, was found to be illegal and contrary to the law.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), listed as the first defendant, filed a memorandum of appearance but did not submit any further documentation in the case. INEC's legal representative indicated that the commission would comply with the court’s ruling. Justice Ekwo concluded that the plaintiffs' case had merit and ruled in their favor.
The lawsuit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/165/2024, and filed on February 8, was brought by three aggrieved ad-hoc delegates on behalf of 378 others. They sued INEC, the PDP, the party’s national secretary, and the vice chairman, south-south, as the first to fourth defendants, respectively. The plaintiffs sought an order preventing the defendants from excluding them and 378 other delegates from participating in the primaries.
The plaintiffs, including Hon Kelvin Mohammed, Mr Gabriel Okoduwa, and Mr Ederaho Osagie, represented delegates from 12 local government areas and 127 wards. They argued that their exclusion violated their rights and the principles of justice. The 381 delegates are supporters of Philip Shaibu, the recently impeached deputy governor. This decision highlights the importance of adhering to electoral laws and party guidelines to ensure a fair democratic process.
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