Edo: APC, Okpebholo hail verdict, PDP says Ighodalo’s candidature intact

From Fred Itua, Godwin Tsa, Abuja and Tony Osauzo, Benin

The Abuja division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary in Edo State that produced Asue Ighodalo as its candidate as invalid.

But the PDP, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, have differed on the judgment.

Three aggrieved ad-hoc delegates, on behalf of the 378 others, had sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, its national secretary and the vice chairman, South South as first to fourth defendants respectively.

In the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/165/2024 dated February 7 but filed February 8, the plaintiffs sought for two orders.

The orders include an order for the defendants or their agents not to act but to show cause why the reliefs of the plaintiffs in their originating summons should not be granted about the plan of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants to exclude them and 378 other delegates, whose names and election results are contained in “Exhibits BID 8A to 8L,” from participating in the primary.of February 22 in Edo.

The plaintiffs, including Kelvin Mohammed, Gabriel Okoduwa and Ederaho Osagie, on behalf of others in 12 local government areas and 127 wards, averred that it would be in the interest of justice for their reliefs to be granted.

The 381 delegates are those loyal to Philip Shaibu, the impeached deputy governor.

Inyang Ekwo, in his judgment, held that the PDP’s primary held on February 22 failed to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022; the guidelines for the conduct of the poll and the party’s constitution.

Ekwo, who said Exhibit PDP 1 tendered by the party was bereft of evidence, held that the plaintiffs, through the exhibits tendered, were able to establish their case against the defendants.

He said from the exhibit presented by the PDP, he found that the returning officers who prepared the result sheets only sat down in a place to manufacture the outcome of the poll.

Ekwo said the exclusion of the 381 delegates, including the plaintiffs, was against the provisions of the law and held that, though INEC, the 1st defendant, filed a memorandum of appearance in the suit, it was unfortunate the commission did not file any process in the case.

“I found that the case of the plaintiffs succeeds on merit,” he said.

Shortly after the judgment, the APC, in a statement by the director, Campaign Council Publicity Committee invited Ighodalo to join hands with its candidate to retake the state and reset it for prosperity.

“The news of the disqualification of Ighodalo as the PDP candidate has been received by Edo people as relief from imposition of forgery and continuation of self-serving governance in our state.

“APC, as a progressive party, is calling on Ighodalo to join hands with Okpebholo to retake the state and reset it for prosperity.

“What is more important at this point is the interest of Edo people who are eagerly waiting for solutions that will ensure food security, accessible and affordable healthcare, and a thriving economy.”

In a swift reaction, PDP Chairman of the state chapter, Tony Aziegbemi, said Ighodalo’s candidature remained intact.

“The PDP is aware that certain elements who are scared of the soaring popularity of our candidate, Ighodalo, are going about peddling rumours that the candidature of Ighodalo has been nullified.

“Let it be on record that the candidature of Ighodalo as the flag-bearer of the party for the 2024 elections remains intact and that the judgment of the Federal High court in Abuja did, not in any way, affect the candidature of Ighodalo

“We urge our loyal supporters to remain calm and resolute as there is no cause for alarm,” he said.

In his reaction, Okpebholo called on the PDP candidate to take the path of honour and withdraw from the race, having been misled by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

He said the bad policies of the PDP in Edo State, the level of insecurity, unemployment, cultism, perennial floods, bad roads and disregard for traditional institutions, are clear pointers to the disastrous end that awaits the party in the upcoming polls.

“I welcome the court judgment given, yesterday, by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The court has saved Edo people from another four years of pains and agonies. The PDP is not a democratic party. It operates like a Mafia organisation.

“What they call primaries were a far cry. The party, with just two months to a crucial election is unable to put its house in order. We call on Edo people to rally round me and my party, the APC, to bring back the lost glory of the state.

“Our administration is committed to bringing the good old days back. Since the exit of Adams Oshiomhole as governor of Edo State, our people have not had any reason to celebrate. That will change in September when the people will take power back through the ballot.

“Edo State has been cut off from the centre for far too long. We can see this from the level of abandonment. We need to return Edo State to the centre and enjoy all the benefits that we truly deserve. We are optimistic.

“With this court judgment, Edo people can clearly see the PDP is a chaotic party and cannot be allowed to continue to lead our state. With the APC, I assure you of the best. Our best is yet to come,” he said.