Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September governorship election in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has advised the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, to withdraw from the race.

Senator Okpebholo made the declaration on Thursday in his reaction to the judgement of Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo which invalidated the primaries that produced the candidate of the PDP.

Justice Ekwo while delivering his judgement in a suit instituted by Honourable Kelvin Mohammed in a representative capacity, voided the primaries that produced Ighodalo because 378 delegates who were supposed to vote at the primary election were unlawfully excluded by the PDP.

Justice Ekwo further held that both the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and the PDP guidelines were grossly violated in the conduct of the primary election held in Benin, the state capital.

The APC candidate in a statement issued in Abuja described the PDP as a lawless political party, incapable of conducting its own internal affairs.

He said “The court judgment is a clear indication that the APC is the party to beat in the upcoming governorship polls, assuring that the people will always come first. ”

The APC candidate said the bad policies of the PDP in Edo State, the level of insecurity, unemployment, cultism, perennial floods, bad roads and disregard for traditional institutions, are clear pointers to the disastrous end that awaits the party in the upcoming polls.

“I welcome the Court judgment given on Thursday by a Federal High Court in Abuja. 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. We call on the Edo people to rally around me and my party, the APC, to bring back the lost glory of the state.

“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 centre 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 clearly 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!”