The recent Federal High Court ruling in Abuja has nullified the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) primaries that controversially produced Asue Ighodalo as a candidate, citing violations of the party’s own constitution and the Electoral Act.
Governor Godwin Obaseki is at the center of the controversy, accused of manipulating the primary process to ensure the selection of his preferred candidate, Ighodalo, despite excluding 378 statutorily recognized delegates. The court’s decision is seen as a victory for these disenfranchised delegates, reinforcing the importance of internal democracy and the lawful nomination of candidates.
In the wake of the ruling, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Edo citizens to be cautious of individuals who, driven by personal ambition, seek to impose themselves on the state. They criticised Governor Obaseki for what they describe as a desperate and undemocratic attempt to secure power, which has led to heightened political tension and undermined the state’s political integrity.
The APC praised Justice Ekwo for his thorough and courageous judgment, which they believe restores faith in Nigeria’s justice system and the electoral process. They argued that genuine democracy must allow all voices, no matter how marginalized, to participate in selecting their leaders.
As the state gears up for upcoming elections, the APC is positioning itself as a champion of transparent and people-centered governance, promising to restore hope and lead with integrity under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo. The party emphasizes the need for a clean break from what they describe as the oppressive and self-serving tactics of the current administration, aiming to put Edo back on a path of equitable and inclusive development.
The court’s verdict serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of undermining democratic processes, and the APC calls on the people of Edo to seize this opportunity to reclaim their state’s future from those they see as economic predators and power manipulators.
