Court nullifies Edo PDP governorship primary, APC candidate hails verdict

The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has hailed Thursday’s judgment by a Federal High Court in Abuja nullifying the primary that produced Asue Ighodalo as the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the September 21 election.

The court, in its ruling, declared as invalid the poll that primary conducted on February 22, 2024, on the ground that 378 delegates registered to vote at the election were unlawfully excluded by the PDP.

Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo therefore invalidated the governorship primary in a suit instituted by the aggrieved delegates.

The suit marked THC/ABJ/CS/165/2024 was instituted by one Kelvin Mohammed in a representative capacity.

Ekwo held that both the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and the PDP guidelines were grossly violated in the conduct of the primary election held at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin, Edo State capital.

Reacting to the judgement in a statement in Abuja, Okpebholo disclosed that it was a testament to the fact that the PDP is a lawless political party, incapable of conducting its internal affairs.

He said, “We welcome the court judgment given on Thursday. The court saved the Edo people from another four years of pain and agonies. The PDP is not a democratic party. It operates like a mafia organisation. The party, with just two months to a crucial election, is unable to put its house in order.

“Our administration is committed to bringing the good old days back. Since the exit of Senator 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 see that the PDP is a chaotic party and can’t be allowed to continue to lead our dear State. With the APC, I assure you of the best. Our best is yet to come. God bless you all!”