Court Decision on PDP Gubernatorial Primary in Edo 2024
The Federal High Court in Abuja has canceled the primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, which had selected Asue Ighodalo as their candidate for the September 21st governorship election.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, who gave the ruling on Thursday, stated that the primary election held by the PDP on February 22 did not comply with the Electoral Act 2022, the guidelines for conducting elections, or the party’s Constitution.
The evidence presented in court showed that Ighodalo did not win through a legitimate process. According to Justice Ekwo, the result sheets were fabricated by returning officers who did not conduct a proper poll.
The judgment was in response to a lawsuit filed by three plaintiffs on behalf of 378 ad-hoc delegates who were supposed to participate in the primary election. The lawsuit listed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, its National Secretary, and the South South Vice Chairman as defendants.
Justice Ekwo agreed with the plaintiffs and noted that INEC did not present any defense, indicating it would accept the court’s decision.
