PeakNews Online
Abuja, Nigeria – The Certified True Copy (CTC) of a ruling by Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Abuja Federal High Court in Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/165/2024 has clarified the participation of 378 delegates in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election held on February 22.
The court confirmed that these delegates, along with the three Ad-Hoc Ward Delegates, were validly included in the primary election process.
Contrary to media reports suggesting issues with the validity of the PDP primary election and the candidacy of Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie Esq, the court made no such pronouncement. The CTC document dispels any confusion arising from the judgment, confirming the delegates’ lawful participation.
In the ruling, Justice Ekwo stated, “The Plaintiffs and the other 378 delegates, whose names and election results appear on Exhibits BID 8A to 8L, were elected and are allowed to participate in the primary election of February 22, 2024.”
The judge further declared that by the provisions of Article 50 (3) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), the plaintiffs and the other lawfully elected delegates listed in Exhibits BID 8A to 8L are the rightful Ward Congress Delegates. He mandated that they cannot be excluded from participating as Ad-Hoc Ward Delegates in the Edo State Governorship primary election.
Justice Ekwo’s ruling directed the defendants to adhere to the Electoral Act, 2022, and the PDP Constitution, ensuring the inclusion of the 378 delegates in the primary election. An order was also issued to prevent the defendants from unlawfully excluding these delegates from future primary elections.
