The Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld the nomination of Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election.
The court's decision, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, came in a judgment on a suit marked CS/469/24. The court dismissed the case filed by Philip Shaibu, who had challenged Ighodalo's nomination as the PDP's candidate.
The court ruled that Ighodalo was legitimately nominated at the party's primary election, which took place at Benin City's Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on February 22, 2024. With 577 votes, Ighodalo overcame Shaibu and ten other candidates to win.
The plaintiffs' case was found to be without merit by the court since they were unable to produce enough proof that Ighodalo had falsified his voter's card. In addition, the court dismissed the case because it was banned by statute.
The ruling is viewed as a significant victory for the party and its candidate, as they now move forward with their campaign strategy.
Experts believe that this court ruling will have far-reaching implications for the political landscape in Edo State, as the PDP seeks to retain the governorship seat in the upcoming election. This decision solidifies Ighodalo's position as the PDP's standard-bearer for the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial election, set to be held later this year.