The Federal High Court in Abuja has thrown out a lawsuit brought by Phillips Shaibu, the impeached Deputy Governor of Edo State.
The lawsuit aimed to invalidate the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary that took place on February 22. Shaibu’s challenge sought to nullify the candidacy of Asue Ighodalo, who won the primary election held in Benin City.
Justice James Omotosho, in his ruling on Monday, stated that Shaibu did not have the legal standing to contest the primary’s outcome as he did not fully participate and was not present at the venue on the election day.
“The plaintiff, having not participated in the primary election and not being present at the venue, does not have the locus standing to challenge the result,” Justice Omotosho declared.
The court further ruled that Shaibu’s lawsuit was premature. Justice Omotosho pointed out that Shaibu had not exhausted the internal dispute resolution mechanisms within the PDP before approaching the court. According to the party’s regulations, aggrieved aspirants are required to seek redress through the party’s Appeal Committee before filing a legal suit.
“The plaintiff is mandated to follow the party’s internal dispute resolution processes, which include approaching the Appeal Committee before seeking judicial intervention,” the judge emphasized.
Justice Omotosho also affirmed that there was ample evidence supporting Ighodalo’s victory in the primary election.
The decision underscores the importance of adhering to internal party protocols for dispute resolution and reinforces the legitimacy of Ighodalo’s candidacy for the upcoming gubernatorial elections.
Further details on the implications of this ruling for the political landscape in Edo State are expected to emerge as parties respond to the court’s decision.
