By Milcah Tanimu
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has confirmed Dr. Asue Ighodalo’s position as the Governorship Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State.
In a unanimous ruling delivered by Justice Musali JCA in case CA/ABJ/CV/764/2024, the court decided that the delegates challenging the PDP primaries did not have the legal standing to do so. As a result, the trial court lacked jurisdiction to annul the primaries.
The appellate court emphasized that according to Section 84(14) of the Electoral Act, only aspirants have the right to contest a primary election. Ad hoc delegates, the court noted, are not considered aspirants and, therefore, do not have the standing to file a lawsuit against the primary election process.
The court concluded, “They are delegates and not aspirants. Delegates do not have any locus to challenge the process of the primary election.”
With this ruling, the court has affirmed the validity of the PDP primaries held on February 22, which designated Ighodalo as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for the September 21st election in Edo State.
