The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit challenging the nomination of Asue Ighodalo as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2024 Edo State governorship election.
Justice James Omotosho while dismissing the suit filed by Philip Shaibu and three others, held the plaintiffs’ case lacked merit, as they failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove that Ighodalo had forged his voter’s card.
The court also held that the suit was filed out of time and as such is statute-barred, and therefore struck it out.
Ighodalo emerged victorious, at the primary election which was held on February 22, 2024, securing 577 votes to defeat Shaibu and 10 other aspirants.
MUST READ:Edo Governorship: APC, PDP differ on status of Asue Ighodalo
The court further determined that the plaintiffs’ case lacked merit, as they failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove that Ighodalo had forged his voter’s card. Moreover, the court ruled that the action was statute-barred and consequently struck it out.
This decision solidifies Ighodalo’s position as the PDP’s standard-bearer for the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial election, set to be held later this year. The ruling is seen as a significant victory for the party and its candidate, as they now move forward with their campaign strategy.
Experts believe that this court ruling will have far-reaching implications for the political landscape in Edo State, as the PDP seeks to retain the governorship seat in the upcoming election.
