The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reversed a previous judgment by the Federal High Court, which had criticized the conduct of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary in Edo State. This primary had resulted in Asue Ighodalo being chosen as the party’s candidate for the upcoming September 21 election.
In a unanimous decision, the appellate court, led by Justice Musali, determined that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to interfere in the PDP’s internal affairs, including the selection of its governorship candidate. The appeal, marked CA/ABJ/CV/763/24, was successful, leading the court to nullify the July 4, 2024, judgment of Justice Inyang Ekwo.
The appellate court highlighted that those who had contested the primary lacked the legal standing, or locus standi, to bring the case, as they were not aspirants who participated in the primary election. The court further asserted that the PDP’s internal processes are not subject to external interference.
The case was initially brought forward by some dissatisfied PDP members, including Kelvin Mohammed, Gabriel Okoduwa, and Ederaho Osagie, who argued that they and other delegates were unlawfully excluded from participating as ad hoc ward delegates in the primary election.
However, the Court of Appeal ruled that the lower court’s decision was invalid due to its lack of jurisdiction, thereby reaffirming Ighodalo’s position as the PDP’s governorship candidate for Edo State.