By Editor
The nomination of Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election has been affirmed by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the court’s decision in judgment on suit CS/469/24, dismissing former deputy governor, Philip Shaibu’s challenge to Ighodalo’s candidacy.
The court upheld Ighodalo’s nomination, confirming that he was duly selected during the PDP primary election held on February 22, 2024, at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. Ighodalo secured 577 votes, defeating Shaibu and 10 other aspirants.
The court found the plaintiffs’ claims lacked merit and insufficient evidence to substantiate allegations of voter’s card forgery.
Additionally, it ruled the action statute-barred and consequently dismissed it.
The ruling solidifies Ighodalo’s status as the PDP’s candidate for the imminent Edo State gubernatorial election later this year.
The ruling may have stabilised the party in the state, although its popularity appears to be waning as a result of infighting between the camp of the governor and the camp of his former deputy, Shaibu.
