The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the Edo PDP primary election, affirming Asue Ighodalo as the governorship candidate. The court set aside a previous judgment by Justice Inyang Ekwo, which ordered the inclusion of 378 ad-hoc delegates in the primary election. The appellate court ruled that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit, as the plaintiffs were not aspirants seeking political office.
The court held that primary elections are internal affairs of political parties and outside the jurisdiction of courts. The plaintiffs, who were excluded from the primary election, had sued the PDP, arguing that their exclusion breached the party’s constitution. However, the Court of Appeal agreed with the PDP’s submission that the issue was an internal matter, and the grievances of the plaintiffs could not be entertained by the court.
The Edo PDP primary election was held on February 22, and Asue Ighodalo emerged as the candidate. The appellants had challenged the election, citing the exclusion of delegates. However, the Court of Appeal’s decision has affirmed Ighodalo’s candidacy, paving the way for the September 21 gubernatorial election in Edo State.
Key points:
- Court of Appeal upholds Edo PDP primary election
- Asue Ighodalo affirmed as governorship candidate
- Court sets aside previous judgment ordering inclusion of 378 ad-hoc delegates
- Primary elections are internal affairs of political parties, outside court jurisdiction
- Plaintiffs lacked legal rights to initiate suit, as they were not aspirants seeking political office
