From Moshood Karim
Abuja- The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Ekwo, has declared that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) nomination processes were non-compliant with its own constitution.
As a result, the court has set aside all processes leading to the Edo PDP governorship primaries held on February 22nd, 2024.
The court’s decision effectively means that the PDP currently has no candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State, scheduled for September 21st. This development excludes Asue Ighodalo and the PDP from appearing on the ballot for this critical election.
This ruling has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Edo State, dramatically altering the race for the governorship. The nullification of the primaries has opened the field to other candidates and parties, significantly affecting campaign strategies and voter dynamics.
Reacting to the report, the Edo State PDP Chairman, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, in a statement said that the candidature of Ighodalo as the flag bearer of the party remained intact as the judgment of the Federal High court did not in any way affect his candidature.
Aziegbemi said, “The Peoples Democratic Party is aware that certain elements who are scared of the soaring popularity of our candidate Dr Asue Ighodalo are going about peddling rumors that the candidature of Dr Asue Ighodalo has been nullified.
“Let it be on record that the candidature of Dr Asue Ighodalo as the flag bearer of the party for the 2024 elections remains intact and that the judgment of the Federal High court in Abuja did not in any way affect the candidature of Dr Asue Ighodalo.
“We urge our teaming loyal supporters to remain calm…”
Meanwhile, In an exclusive interview with Vanguard on Thursday, Hon Philip Shaibu, the impeached former deputy governor of Edo State, expressed his satisfaction with the court’s decision to nullify the People’s Democratic Party’s governorship primary election.
Shaibu asserted that this ruling vindicated his earlier claims that the PDP had not conducted a proper primary election.
“I have consistently maintained that I had the genuine delegates who duly voted for me during the primary,” Shaibu stated over the phone with Vanguard. “What occurred at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium that day resembled a social gathering rather than a proper electoral process. The genuine voters were conspicuously absent. Now, with the court’s ruling, my stand has been vindicated.”
Shaibu applauded the judiciary for upholding justice, viewing the court’s decision as a victory not only for himself but also for the people of Edo State and democracy at large. He expressed optimism about reclaiming the state from what he termed “external forces.”
The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in the State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, hailed Thursday’s judgment by the Court nullifying the primary that produced Asue Ighodalo as the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Reacting to the judgement in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, Okpebholo disclosed that it was a testament to the fact that the PDP is a lawless political party, incapable of conducting its internal affairs.
He said, “We welcome the court judgment given on Thursday. The court saved the Edo people from another four years of pain and agonies. The PDP is not a democratic party. It operates like a mafia organisation. What they call primaries were a far cry. The party, with just two months to a crucial election, is unable to put its house in order.
“Our administration is committed to bringing the good old days back. Since the exit of Senator Adams Oshiomhole as governor of Edo State, our people have not had any reason to celebrate. That will change in September when the people will take power back through the ballot.
“Edo State has been cut off from the center for far too long. We can see this from the level of abandonment. We need to return Edo State to the centre and enjoy all the benefits that we truly deserve. We are optimistic.
“With this Court judgment, Edo people can see that the PDP is a chaotic party and can’t be allowed to continue to lead our dear State. With the APC, I assure you of the best. Our best is yet to come. God bless you all!”
