In a dramatic turn of events, the Federal High Court in Abuja has declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary election in Edo State, which took place on February 22, 2024, “null and void” for failing to comply with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022.
Justice Inyang Ekwo delivered the verdict, stating that the PDP nomination process was “tainted by the unlawful exclusion” of 378 delegates, including the plaintiffs, who were denied the opportunity to participate in the primary election.
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The court’s decision was in response to a suit filed by Kelvin Mohammed, representing the aggrieved delegates, who argued that their exclusion from the primary election was a violation of their rights as party members.
The nullification of the primary election has thrown the PDP’s candidacy into chaos, with the party insisting on Asue Ighodalo as its candidate for the September polls, despite the court’s ruling. The development has sparked tensions within the party, with some members calling for a rerun of the primary election to ensure a legitimate candidacy.