In a recent statement, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed smear campaigns against its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, in the upcoming September 21, 2024, Edo State Governorship election, as reported by Punch.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described these efforts as futile.
Recently, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the PDP primary election.
This ruling followed a lawsuit (FHC/ABJ/CS/165/2024) filed by dissatisfied delegates, represented by Kelvin Mohammed.
The judge ruled that 378 delegates were unlawfully excluded from voting, which breached legal requirements.
The court found significant violations of the Electoral Act 2022, PDP guidelines, and the party’s constitution during the primary held at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, the state capital.
Despite this, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated on Thursday that the court did not nullify Ighodalo’s candidacy for the state governorship election.
He noted that there were no grounds for such an action.
Ologunagba issued a statement on Sunday, saying that Ighodalo’s frustration stems from his widespread popularity across the state and his strong lead in the election.
The PDP remains undeterred by the smear campaign, stating that the schemes against Ighodalo and the people of Edo State have failed, as they have already been exposed.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) affirms that smear campaigns and frivolous litigations aimed to distract its candidate in the September 21, 2024, Edo State Governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo are all efforts in futility as he is the undisputed choice of the majority of the people of Edo State.“
"The party has been made aware of how these angry and bitter individuals have been going around the courts and reportedly attempting to induce certain judicial officers to procure damaging rulings against our candidate.”
“it has also come to the knowledge of our party that these unscrupulous elements have been attempting to compromise the media to publish fabrications against our candidate and campaign,” he said.