According to a report by Daily Post, in a dramatic turn of events, the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly rejected a recent Abuja Federal High Court judgment that annulled the election of Barrister Asue Ighodalo as the party's governorship candidate for the forthcoming September 21 election.
The judgment has sparked a wave of reactions across the state's political spectrum.
Addressing the press in Benin City on Thursday, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, the Director-General of the PDP Campaign Council, lambasted the ruling issued by Justice Inyang Ekwo in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/165 of 2024. He characterized the judgment as "anomalous and inconsistent with the precedents set by higher courts."
Iduoriyekemwen maintained that the judgment did not affect the legitimacy of the party's primary election held on February 22, 2024, which resulted in the selection of Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie. He expressed the campaign council's unwavering belief that the judgment would be overturned on appeal.
"On July 4, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja, under Hon. Justice Ekwo, delivered a judgment in the case of HON. KELVIN MOHAMMED & 2 ORS VS INEC & 3 ORS," Iduoriyekemwen stated.
"The plaintiffs alleged they were valid delegates excluded from the PDP’s primary election process. However, the court's decision did not invalidate the primaries or their results, contrary to rumors being spread by detractors."
He urged PDP members, supporters, and the Edo State populace to stay composed and disregard the misinformation being circulated. He assured them that the true nature of the judgment would be revealed once the official document is publicly accessible.
Simultaneously, the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has invited Ighodalo to join their ranks, seizing on the uncertainty brought about by the court ruling. This move by the APC aims to exploit potential vulnerabilities within the PDP camp.
As the PDP gears up to challenge the court's verdict, the political climate in Edo State is charged with anticipation. Both major parties are bracing for a highly competitive governorship election, with the PDP striving to secure its chosen candidate's position and the APC seeking to gain from any perceived instability within the PDP.