The Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Organisation has expressed strong opposition to a recent judgment by an Abuja Federal High Court, which nullified the election of Barrister Asue Ighodalo as the party's candidate for the upcoming September 21 governorship poll.
The verdict has stirred significant controversy within the state's political landscape.
According to Daily Post, in a press conference held in Benin City on Thursday, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, the Director-General of the PDP Campaign Council, denounced the ruling by Justice Inyang Ekwo in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/165 of 2024. Describing the judgment as "a strange development," Iduoriyekemwen argued that it contradicts established decisions by Appellate Courts on similar matters.
Iduoriyekemwen emphasized that the judgment does not invalidate the outcome of the PDP's primary election, which saw Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, emerge as the party's flagbearers. He expressed confidence that the judgment would not hold up under appeal.
"Today, July 4, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Hon. Justice Ekwo delivered a judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/165 of 2024 (HON. KELVIN MOHAMMED & 2 ORS VS INEC & 3 ORS)," Iduoriyekemwen stated.
"The suit was filed by individuals who claimed they were legitimate delegates excluded from participating in the selection of the PDP's flagbearer for the upcoming election. Contrary to circulating rumors spread by mischief makers, the PDP primaries held on February 22, 2024, were not set aside, and no order was issued affecting the primary's outcome."
He called on PDP members, supporters, and the people of Edo State to remain calm and dismiss the misleading narratives being propagated. He assured that the truth would become evident once the actual judgment is made publicly available.
Meanwhile, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has seized the opportunity to invite Ighodalo to defect to their party. The APC extended this invitation amidst the controversy surrounding the court ruling, signaling potential shifts in the political dynamics of the upcoming election.