• Posted on 2024-07-04
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• Written by Vimtech Africa

FEDERAL HIGH COURT NULLIFIES EDO STATE PDP PRIMARY ELECTION:

 

In a dramatic turn of events, the Federal High Court has annulled the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election held on February 22, 2024. This primary had produced Asue Ighodalo as the party’s candidate for the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.

 

Justice Inyang Ekwo, delivering his judgment on Thursday, declared that the PDP’s primary election did not comply with the Electoral Act, 2022, the party’s guidelines for the poll, and its constitution. He noted that Exhibit PDP 1, presented by the party, lacked substantial evidence, while the plaintiffs convincingly proved their case through their exhibits.

 

Justice Ekwo highlighted that the PDP’s returning officers appeared to have fabricated the poll results rather than conducting a legitimate election. He underscored that the exclusion of 381 delegates, including the plaintiffs, was illegal and violated the law.

 

Interestingly, although INEC, the first defendant in the case, filed a memorandum of appearance, it did not submit any process or evidence in the case. The commission’s counsel merely stated that INEC would abide by the court’s decision.

 

Concluding his judgment, Justice Ekwo affirmed that the plaintiffs’ case was successful on its merits, marking a significant development in the Edo State political landscape.