The political landscape in Edo State experienced a shake-up as the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election that had produced Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the candidate for the upcoming governorship election on September 21. The ruling, delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo, declared that the primary election did not comply with the Electoral Act 2022, the PDP’s guidelines, and its constitution.
The Court’s Verdict
Justice Ekwo’s judgment emphasized that the evidence presented showed the PDP primary was not conducted through a valid process. He noted that the results appeared to have been fabricated by the returning officers rather than being the outcome of a legitimate voting process involving the necessary delegates.
Reactions from Political Figures
The ruling has elicited varied reactions. The Edo State PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, downplayed the judgment, asserting that Ighodalo remains the party’s candidate. He described claims about Ighodalo’s disqualification as misleading and intended to deceive party members.
In contrast, former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, who had opposed the primary and filed a lawsuit against its outcome, claimed vindication. Shaibu had conducted a parallel primary and contested the PDP’s submission of Ighodalo’s name as the official candidate. Celebrating the court’s decision, Shaibu remarked, “This victory is for Edo people and democracy. By the grace of God, we will take our state back from outsiders.”
The Opposition’s Response
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, also welcomed the court’s decision. Okpebholo called on Ighodalo to withdraw from the race, labeling the PDP as a “lawless political party.” He asserted that the judgment affirmed the APC’s strength and readiness to win the upcoming election, emphasizing the need for solutions to issues like food security, healthcare, and economic growth in Edo State.
The Legal Context
The court’s decision followed a lawsuit filed by three plaintiffs on behalf of 378 ad-hoc delegates who were allegedly excluded from the primary. The plaintiffs, said to be loyal to Shaibu, argued that they were the legitimate delegates. Justice Ekwo dismissed the PDP’s claim that delegate selection is an internal party affair, outside judicial scrutiny.
PDP’s Next Steps
Despite the court ruling, the Edo State PDP Campaign Organization insisted that Ighodalo’s candidacy remains unaffected. They described the judgment as “a strange development” contrary to previous appellate court decisions. The campaign body expressed confidence that the judgment would not hold up on appeal and reassured supporters that the primary results had not been invalidated.
Looking Ahead
As the political drama unfolds, the PDP and its supporters are urged to stay calm, while the APC continues to rally support. This legal battle underscores the importance of internal democracy and adherence to guidelines within political parties, highlighting the significant impact of judicial decisions on electoral processes.
The unfolding events in Edo State serve as a reminder of the complexities of political contests and the critical role of the judiciary in upholding electoral integrity.
