The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ruled against nullifying the primary election that resulted in Asue Ighodalo emerging as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the upcoming Edo State governorship election. In a unanimous decision by a three-judge panel led by Justice A. M. Lamido, the court dismissed an appeal filed by the embattled Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, who was recently reinstated after impeachment.

The court upheld the May 27 judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which had refused to invalidate the PDP’s governorship primary election in Edo State. Justice James Omotosho of the high court had previously ruled that Shaibu lacked the legal standing to challenge the primary outcome, emphasizing that he did not participate in the disputed election. The court further awarded costs of N1 million against the appellant.

This ruling solidifies Ighodalo’s candidacy and sets the stage for a closely watched gubernatorial contest in Edo State. The PDP will now focus on rallying support behind its candidate as the election draws near. Stay tuned for further developments in this high-stakes political battle.