Court Rejects Shaibu’s Plea To Disqualify Ighodalo In Edo Election

Court Rejects Shaibu’s Plea To Disqualify Ighodalo In Edo Election

In a significant legal development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by Philip Shaibu, the impeached former deputy governor of Edo State, seeking the disqualification of Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the upcoming governorship election slated for September 21……. CONTINUE READING 

Justice James Omotosho, delivering the judgment on Wednesday, ruled that Shaibu’s suit lacked merit and was statute-barred as it was filed beyond the stipulated 14 days under Section 285(9) of the Constitution for pre-election matters.

The suit alleged that Ighodalo had forged his voter card, which could have led to his disqualification under Section 182 of the Constitution. However, Justice Omotosho found no evidence to substantiate this claim.

This decision comes shortly after a previous ruling by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the same court, which nullified the February 22 PDP primary election in Edo State. The earlier ruling was based on the exclusion of 378 delegates from the primary, a decision now under appeal by the PDP.

Following the court’s verdict, the PDP national leadership hailed it as “a victory for democracy and the rule of law,” affirming Ighodalo’s candidacy and the integrity of the party’s internal processes.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Odigie, a member of an integrity group within the opposition APC, expressed support for Ighodalo and his running mate Osarodion Ogie, citing their competence and governance readiness as reasons for their endorsement despite his party affiliation.

Odigie, who has been suspended by the APC for alleged anti-party activities, emphasized that the competence and vision outlined in Ighodalo’s manifesto, “The Pathway to Prosperity for All,” garnered widespread support even beyond partisan lines.

The stage is now set for a competitive election as political dynamics continue to unfold in Edo State.