By Abiola Olawale
The internal crisis rocking the Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated as a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has voided the primary election that produced Asue Ighodalo as the governorship candidate of the party.
The presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo held that the primary election at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin was invalid as it was not conducted in line with established procedures.
Justice Ekwo in her reasoning held that the primary election held on February 22, 2024, was invalidated due to the unlawful exclusion of 378 delegates by the PDP.
The New Diplomat reports that the ruling was a result of a lawsuit filed by one Kelvin Mohammed, who curiously went to court, in a representative capacity.
Mohammed had taken legal action against the PDP, alleging that he and about 377 delegates were improperly excluded from the party’s list.
Justice Ekwo in her determination, nullified the primary election while delivering judgment in the suit instituted by the aggrieved delegates.
It would be recalled that the Edo state chapter of the PDP had been facing rocky times since the impeached Deputy governor of the state, Philip Shaibu, and the Dan Orbih group appear to have resolved to turn their backs on the party like prodigal sons.
However, the national leadership of the PDP had presented Ighodalo with the certificate of return after polling 577 votes to defeat Mr Anslem Ojezua; Mr Felix Akhabue; Ambassador Martin Uhomoibhi; Hajia Hadizat Umoru; Mr Osaro Onaiwu and Mr Arthur Esene to clinch the gubernatorial ticket of the PDP for the September governorship election.
