The political scene in Edo State was in turmoil as the Federal High Court in Abuja invalidated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries, which had nominated Dr. Asue Ighodalo as its candidate for the upcoming September 21 election. Justice Inyang Ekwo's ruling stated that the primaries held on February 22 did not comply with the Electoral Act 2022, the election guidelines, or the PDP’s constitution.
According to report from vanguard, this decision triggered diverse reactions. The Edo PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, and the party’s campaign organization dismissed the judgment, insisting that Ighodalo remained their candidate. Conversely, former Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, who had contested the primaries' outcome, felt validated by the ruling. Shaibu had won in a parallel primary and had taken legal action when the party submitted Ighodalo’s name.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) celebrated the court’s decision, with their candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, urging Ighodalo to withdraw from the race. The court found that the PDP did not follow a valid process in electing Ighodalo, with evidence showing that the results were manufactured rather than a true reflection of delegate participation.
The plaintiffs, led by Kelvin Mohammed and others, argued that they were genuine ad-hoc delegates excluded from the primaries, a claim upheld by Justice Ekwo. INEC did not contest the matter, agreeing to abide by the court’s decision.
Aziegbemi countered the court’s ruling, asserting that Ighodalo’s candidacy remained unaffected and accusing detractors of spreading misinformation. The PDP campaign organization echoed this, stating that the judgment did not nullify the primary results.
Shaibu maintained that the ruling vindicated his position, emphasizing the legitimacy of his delegates and condemning the conduct of the primaries. The APC campaign council viewed the court’s decision as a victory for Edo people against imposed candidates and poor governance, urging Ighodalo to step aside for the state’s benefit.
Senator Okpebholo criticized the PDP's internal disarray and called for support from Edo citizens to restore the state’s prosperity under APC leadership. Meanwhile, Chief Dan Orbih of the PDP highlighted the need for internal democracy, criticizing the party’s current leadership for the crisis.
The ruling underscores the ongoing political contention and the importance of adherence to democratic processes within party structures.