The political drama in Edo State took another turn on Thursday as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defiantly declared Asue Ighodalo as its candidate, despite a court ruling nullifying the party’s governorship primary election.
Why It Matters
Governor Obaseki, who once condemned Godfatherism in politics, now seems to be indulging in the very same practice, maneuvering to ensure his chosen successor, Asue Ighodalo, takes the helm. The irony is palpable: the self-proclaimed crusader against political puppeteering is now the puppet master.
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered the blow, voiding the February 2024 primary that produced Ighodalo. The ruling cited the unlawful exclusion of 378 delegates from the voting process, raising serious questions about the integrity of the PDP’s internal democracy.
What They Are saying
But the PDP remains unyielding. In a defiant statement, Edo PDP Chairman Dr. Tony Aziegbemi insisted that Ighodalo’s candidacy remains valid. He asserted that the court ruling did not impact Ighodalo’s status as the party’s flagbearer for the upcoming September 21 governorship election.
“Let it be on record that the candidature of Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the flagbearer of the party for the 2024 elections remains intact,” Aziegbemi declared, dismissing any rumors to the contrary as the work of “certain elements” afraid of Ighodalo’s popularity.
Without naming names, the PDP hinted at a conspiracy by those threatened by Ighodalo’s rising star. The party called on its members to remain calm and steadfast, assuring them that there is no cause for alarm despite the court’s decision.
“The PDP is aware that certain elements who are scared of the soaring popularity of our candidate Dr. Asue Ighodalo are going about peddling rumors that his candidature has been nullified,” the statement read. “We urge our teeming loyal supporters to remain calm and resolute as there is no cause for alarm.”
Bottom Line
With the governorship primary nullified, the PDP’s path forward is uncertain. Will they appeal the Federal High Court’s decision, or will this legal setback force a reevaluation of their strategy?
