Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the February 2024 election that produced Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Edo State. The court’s decision was based on the unlawful exclusion of 378 delegates who were supposed to participate in the primary election.
Despite the court ruling, the PDP has reaffirmed Ighodalo’s status as its flagbearer for the upcoming September 21 governorship election. In a statement released shortly after the ruling, Edo PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, insisted that the court’s decision does not affect Ighodalo’s candidacy.
“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,” Aziegbemi stated.
The party attributed the spread of rumors about Ighodalo’s candidacy to certain elements who are allegedly intimidated by his popularity. The PDP did not disclose the identities of these elements but called on its members to remain calm and assured them that there is no cause for alarm.
“The PDP 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. We urge our teeming loyal supporters to remain calm and resolute as there is no cause for alarm,” the statement read.
Following the nullification of the PDP governorship primary election, the party’s next steps remain uncertain. It is yet to be determined if the PDP will appeal the Federal High Court’s decision to vacate the order.
