Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has invalidated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election that produced Asue Ighodalo as its governorship candidate. The primary election, held on February 22, 2024, was declared void due to the unlawful exclusion of 378 delegates who were supposed to vote.
The judgment came as a result of a suit filed by aggrieved delegates, represented by one Kelvin Mohammed. Justice Ekwo found that the conduct of the primary election at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin violated both the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and the PDP Guidelines.
“The exclusion of 378 delegates was unlawful and rendered the primary election invalid,” Justice Ekwo stated during the judgment. The court’s decision underscores the importance of adhering to electoral laws and party guidelines in the conduct of primary elections.
This ruling has significant implications for the PDP, as it will have to address the issues raised by the court and possibly conduct a new primary election in compliance with the legal requirements. The party’s next steps in response to the judgment are eagerly awaited by its members and the public.
