Court Declares PDP Primary for Edo Governorship Invalid

In a landmark ruling on Thursday, the Federal High Court in Abuja declared the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) primary election for the upcoming Edo governorship election null and void.

The decision comes after Asue Ighodalo, the party’s nominee, was announced the winner of the primary held on February 22nd.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, presiding over the case, determined that the primary election violated the PDP’s constitution, election rules, and the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022. According to the judgment, the plaintiffs successfully demonstrated through exhibits that the PDP’s conduct during the primary was flawed. Justice Ekwo specifically highlighted that Exhibit PDP 1, presented by the party, lacked substantial evidence.

The court found that the returning officers responsible for the result sheets had fabricated the poll’s outcome, excluding 381 delegates, including the plaintiffs, from participating. This exclusion was deemed unlawful by Justice Ekwo. He emphasized that the plaintiffs’ case was bolstered by strong evidence, and the absence of proper documentation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) further supported their claims.

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Despite INEC’s legal representation in the lawsuit, the commission failed to provide any substantial documentation, with its counsel merely stating that INEC would abide by the court’s ruling. Justice Ekwo concluded that the plaintiffs’ case had merit.

The lawsuit was initiated by three aggrieved ad hoc delegates—Hon. Kelvin Mohammed, Mr. Gabriel Okoduwa, and Mr. Ederaho Osagie—representing 378 other delegates. These delegates sought two primary orders: one to prevent the defendants from excluding them and 378 other delegates from participating in the primary, and another to justify why their reliefs should not be granted. The delegates argued that including their reliefs would benefit the greater good, representing individuals across 12 local government areas and 127 wards.

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Notably, the 381 delegates in question are supporters of Philip Shaibu, indicating internal party dynamics that likely influenced the court’s decision. This ruling casts significant doubt on the validity of the PDP’s primary process and the legitimacy of Asue Ighodalo’s nomination.

The court’s decision underscores the importance of adhering to electoral rules and maintaining transparency in the conduct of party primaries. As the PDP navigates the fallout from this ruling, the implications for the upcoming Edo governorship election remain uncertain.