The Bureau Newspaper reports that Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election, which produced Asue Ighodalo as its governorship candidate, invalid.
Details of the Ruling:
- Primary Election Date: February 22, 2024
- Grounds for Invalidation: The primary election was voided because 378 delegates who were supposed to vote were unlawfully excluded by the PDP.
- Legal Challenge: The suit was instituted by Kelvin Mohammed in a representative capacity for the aggrieved delegates.
Court’s Findings:
- Electoral Act Violation: Justice Ekwo held that the conduct of the primary election violated the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
- PDP Guidelines Violation: The court also found that the PDP’s own guidelines were not adhered to during the primary election held at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.
Impact:
This ruling casts uncertainty over the PDP’s candidacy for the upcoming governorship election, requiring the party to possibly reconduct its primary election in compliance with the legal standards outlined by both the Electoral Act and its guidelines. The Bureau Newspaper will continue to follow developments in this story as the PDP responds to the court’s decision.