- The Edo State chapter of the PDP insists that Asue Ighodalo remains their candidate for the September 21 governorship election, despite a Federal High Court ruling nullifying his candidacy
- PDP chairman Tony Aziegbemi claims the court judgment does not affect Ighodalo’s candidature and urges supporters to remain calm, while the APC calls on Ighodalo to join hands with their candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State remains firm on Asue Ighodalo as their candidate for the September 21 governorship election.
Tony Aziegbemi, the party chairman, reaffirmed this in response to a Federal High Court ruling, which declared the party without a candidate for the election.
On Thursday, Justice Inyang Ekwo ruled that the PDP’s primary, held on February 22, 2024, did not comply with the Electoral Act, 2022, and party guidelines. The exclusion of 381 delegates, including the plaintiffs, was deemed illegal.
The judge stated, “The plaintiffs’ case succeeds on merit.”
In reaction, Aziegbemi accused certain elements, fearful of Ighodalo’s popularity, of spreading rumors about his candidacy being nullified.
“Dr. Asue Ighodalo remains our candidate for the 2024 elections. The Federal High Court’s judgment does not affect our party,” he declared.
He urged supporters to stay calm and resolute, assuring them there was no cause for alarm.
The PDP Campaign Council also insisted that the court’s ruling did not invalidate the primary election’s outcome, which confirmed Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie.
Mathew Iduoriyekemwuen, Director General of the PDP Governorship Campaign Council, called the judgment “strange” and contrary to previous appellate court decisions. He expressed confidence that the decision would not hold up on appeal and confirmed that the necessary steps were being taken.
Comrade Philip Shaibu, the immediate past deputy governor and primary aspirant, hailed the judgment as a victory for democracy in Edo. He stated that the primary’s process at Samuel Osagbovo Ogbemudia Stadium was not legal.
He added that 10 candidates contested, and nine were unified in seeking justice. “We will meet and agree on our next steps; I am a team player,” Shaibu said.
Barrister Aslem Ojezua, another primary aspirant, was unsurprised by the judgment against the PDP.
Hilary Otsu, PDP state secretary, blamed the judgment on process violations and a lack of inclusivity in the primaries. “We foresaw this; the governor’s actions were in error. He ignored due process and didn’t integrate the party structure,” Otsu said.
“It’s unfortunate that the PDP has no candidate, but we must follow the court order,” he concluded.