The Court of Appeal in Abuja has sustained Dr. Asue Ighodalo’s nomination as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Edo State in the upcoming September 21 election.
The court dismissed an application filed by delegates seeking to nullify the PDP primaries, affirming that they lacked the legal standing, or locus, to challenge the process.
In a unanimous decision, Justice Musali JCA, who delivered the judgment, emphasized that under Section 84(14) of the Electoral Act, only aspirants have the right to contest the outcome of a primary election.
“They are delegates and not aspirants. Delegates do not have any locus to challenge the process of the primary election,” the court stated.
The ruling also restated that the matter falls within the PDP’s internal affairs, thereby barring the trial court from nullifying the primaries.
The February 22 primaries, which resulted in Dr. Ighodalo’s candidacy, were, therefore, upheld by the appellate court.
In July, Pulse Nigeria reported that the Federal High Court Abuja Division also affirmed Dr Ighodalo’s candidacy.
Justice James Omotosho made a significant ruling in case CS/469/24 on Wednesday, July 17, confirming Mr Ighodalo as the rightful PDP governorship candidate in Edo State.
This ruling was based on Mr Ighodalo’s proper nomination during the PDP primaries held on February 22, 2024, in Benin City.
These rulings pave the way for Ighodalo to contest the governorship on the PDP platform, cementing his position as the party’s flagbearer for the Edo 2024 elections.
