The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reaffirmed Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Edo State in the upcoming September 21 election. This ruling solidifies Ighodalo’s position as the party’s flagbearer for the Edo 2024 elections.
The court dismissed an application from delegates seeking to nullify the PDP primaries, ruling that they lacked the legal standing, or locus, to challenge the process. Justice Musali JCA, who delivered the judgment, emphasized that only aspirants have the right to contest the outcome of a primary election under Section 84(14) of the Electoral Act.
The court declared that delegates, not being aspirants, do not have the locus to challenge the primary election process. It reiterated that the matter is an internal PDP affair, barring the trial court from nullifying the primaries.
The February 22 primaries, which resulted in Dr. Ighodalo’s candidacy, were thus upheld by the appellate court.
In July, the Federal High Court Abuja Division also affirmed Dr. Ighodalo’s candidacy. Justice James Omotosho confirmed Ighodalo as the PDP governorship candidate in Edo State based on his valid nomination during the primaries held on February 22, 2024, in Benin City.
These rulings ensure that Ighodalo will contest the governorship on the PDP platform, solidifying his role as the party’s candidate for the Edo 2024 elections.