The Appeal Court in Abuja has upheld the candidacy of Asue Ighodalo as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nominee for the upcoming Governorship Election in Edo State.
This decision came after the court dismissed an appeal by Philip Shaibu, the state’s Deputy Governor, who sought to nullify the primary election results.
Advertorial
In a unanimous decision, the three-member panel led by Justice A. M. Lamido rejected Shaibu’s appeal, marked CA/ABJ/CV/642/2024, for lack of merit.
The court affirmed the 27 May ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which had also dismissed Shaibu’s suit.
The appellate court ruled that the trial court was correct in refusing to invalidate the PDP primary election outcome.
It imposed a N1 million cost on the appellant. Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court had previously determined that Shaibu did not have the legal standing to challenge the primary election’s results.
Justice Omotosho emphasized that Shaibu did not participate in the primary election, a necessary condition to contest its outcome legally.
Advertorial
Evidence showed that Shaibu was not present at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City during the 22 February primary election.
Shaibu had requested the court to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing Ighodalo as the PDP candidate.
He argued that the primary election violated the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution, seeking an order for a new primary election.
However, the court found no basis for his claims and dismissed the appeal.
