A dramatic turn of events has unfolded in Edo State’s political landscape as a Federal High Court has nullified the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) primary election held on May 23, 2024.
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja declared invalid the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election that produced Asue Ighodalo as its governorship candidate.
The primary election conducted on February 22, 2024, was voided on the ground that 378 delegates who were supposed to vote at the primary election were unlawfully excluded by PDP.
Justice Ekwo nullified the primary election while delivering judgment in a suit instituted by the aggrieved delegates.
The suit was instituted by one Kelvin Mohammed in a representative capacity.
Justice Ekwo held that both the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and the PDP Guidelines were violated in the conduct of the primary election at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin.
The court’s verdict comes in response to a lawsuit filed by an aggrieved aspirant, who alleged widespread irregularities and the exclusion of delegates from the primary election process.
The ruling has thrown the party’s preparations for the general election into chaos, as the validity of the primary election result is now in question.
According to sources close to the case, the court found significant flaws in the primary election process, which compromised its integrity and fairness.
The PDP has been ordered to conduct a fresh primary election, adhering to the party’s guidelines and democratic principles.
This development has sparked mixed reactions within the party, with some members expressing disappointment and others seeing it as an opportunity for a more inclusive and transparent process.
The implications of this ruling are far-reaching, and political analysts are closely watching how the situation unfolds in the coming days.
More to follow…
