Edo Gubernatorial Election: Court of Appeal Affirms Eligibility of PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, Deal Blows to Opponent APC

The Court of Appeal in Nigeria has delivered another victory to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reaffirming the eligibility of its gubernatorial candidate in the Edo State elections, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, for the September 21, 2024 contest. According to the appeal court judgment, Ighodalo’s nomination has been officially validated, throwing a severe blow to his main opposition, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Monday Okpebholo.

The Court of Appeal’s pronouncement has come as a setback to APC’s attempt to discredit Ighodalo’s eligibility, a claim that had been characterized as "based on flawed assumptions" and "designed to distract" by PDP leaders. PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, condemned the litigation, terming it a desperate ploy by the APC to avoid a democratic contest at the polls. "The litigation against Dr. Asue Ighodalo was bereft of merit… and was only aimed at distracting our candidate and the people of Edo State," the statement reads.

The decision has, essentially, sent the APC packing, a move seen by many as a resounding victory for the people’s collective will and aspirations in Edo State. Despite the challenges posed by numerous court cases, the PDP’s determination has proved unwavering, echoing the spirit of Dr. Ighodalo and his people.

"We are confident in our party and our candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo. We remain focused on presenting a clear plan for a better future and working hand-in-hand with the good people of Edo State to deliver victories," declared the statement, urging all stakeholders to cooperate and promote peace throughout the election cycle.

In what appears as a battle-tested statement by the APC camp, "Today’s judgment has therefore practically brought us to our knees and wit’s end. The APC, its candidate, and his propaganda machine…should counsel themselves as it is not too late to withdraw from the race." Notably, this veiled threat against the PDP candidate demonstrates the intense scrutiny and acrimony engulfing Nigeria’s election terrain.

Dr. Ighodalo’s win reaffirms PDP’s readiness to protect its ideals of democracy and fairness in public service, an endeavour considered crucial by the nation at large. As electioneering strategies continue, pundits predict stiff competition among contesting parties, an affair that should unfold amid public scrutiny.