The Federal High Court in Abuja has invalidated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election held on February 22, 2024, in Edo State. This primary election resulted in the selection of Asue Ighodalo as the party’s candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State.
On Thursday, Justice Inyang Ekwo delivered a judgment stating that the PDP’s primary election did not meet the requirements outlined in the Electoral Act, 2022, the guidelines for conducting the election, and the party’s constitution.
The judge found that the evidence presented by the PDP, specifically Exhibit PDP 1, was insufficient. In contrast, the plaintiffs were able to prove their case against the defendants using the exhibits they provided.
The judge found that the PDP’s presented evidence showed that the people in charge of preparing the result sheets for the election simply made up the outcome without following proper procedures. He also noted that excluding 381 delegates, including the plaintiffs, went against the law.
Justice Ekwo mentioned that although INEC, the first defendant, appeared in the case by submitting a memorandum. It was disappointing that they did not provide any further legal documents or arguments. The judge said that the first defendant’s lawyer only stated that they would accept and follow the court’s decision.
He stated, “I found that the case of the plaintiffs succeed on merit.”
 primary election held on February 22, 2024, in Edo State. This primary election resulted in the selection of Asue Ighodalo as the party's candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State.){kind=link}