Federal High Court Strikes Out Suit Against Asue Ighodalo’s Candidacy in Edo Guber Race

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to disqualify Barrister Asue Ighodalo as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate. The suit, brought by Anselm Ojeizu, a rival PDP aspirant, was deemed premature by the court.

Justice Egwuatu’s ruling, delivered on Wednesday, cited Ojeizu’s failure to exhaust the internal dispute resolution mechanisms of the PDP before resorting to litigation. The judge agreed with Ighodalo’s lead counsel, Mr. Akinlolu Kehinde, that Ojeizu’s bypassing of the PDP’s Appeal Panel was in violation of party rules.

Ojeizu’s legal challenge had contested the validity of the February 22 primary election held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, alleging irregularities in the use of delegate lists and violations of electoral guidelines. However, Justice Egwuatu emphasized that adherence to party procedures is mandatory for all aspirants seeking redress through the courts.

Barrister Asue Ighodalo, an seasoned lawyer and investment banker, emerged victorious in the primary, securing 577 votes against competitors who scored zero. His candidacy, supported by Governor Obaseki, has now been affirmed by the court, further solidifying his position as the PDP flagbearer for the forthcoming gubernatorial contest in Edo State.