The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State is currently facing a period of uncertainty, division, and legal battles as it prepares for the upcoming governorship poll in September.
According to a report by The Nation News, the party, which saw a resurgence four years ago with the defection of Governor Godwin Obaseki from the All Progressives Congress (APC), is now grappling with internal strife and legal challenges that threaten its unity and stability.
The recent judgment by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court dealt a significant blow to the Edo PDP, invalidating the process that led to the emergence of Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the party's gubernatorial candidate.
Justice Inyang Ekwo found that the PDP's primary held on February 22 failed to comply with electoral laws and party guidelines, casting doubt on the internal democratic processes within the party.
The fallout from the court ruling has further exacerbated the existing divisions within the Edo PDP. The party, which had struggled with harmonization and reconciliation issues following an influx of new members, is now faced with a polarized membership base and unresolved tensions.
The lack of internal cohesion and failure to mend cracks within the party have created a breeding ground for confusion and acrimony.
Interestingly, the court judgment that was intended to settle the party's internal disputes led to conflicting reactions within the Edo PDP.
While some members, particularly those aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC), viewed the ruling as a positive development that removed a significant challenger to their candidate, Senator Monday Okpebhelo, others interpreted it as a form of retribution against Ighodalo for allegedly overstepping his bounds within the party.
The Dan Orbih group, which has close ties to Nyesom Wike, remains defiant and has resisted attempts at reconciliation, further complicating the party's efforts to achieve unity and coherence.
Governor Obaseki's perceived inability to foster integration and address the grievances of various factions within the PDP has only added to the existing turmoil and discord.
The disqualification of Ighodalo, while initially assumed by many, was not explicitly mentioned in the court ruling, raising questions about the legitimacy of the claims made by the plaintiffs.
The 372 delegates who challenged the party's election process presented certificates of their election, alleging that they were unfairly excluded from subsequent proceedings that led to Ighodalo's candidacy.
The discrepancies in the documentation and the involvement of multiple officials have further muddied the waters and called into question the fairness and transparency of the selection process.
The Edo PDP's struggles reflect a larger issue of disunity and disorganization that permeates the party's structure.