The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced its intention to appeal the court ruling that nullified the party’s primary election in Edo State.
On Thursday, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja invalidated the February 22 primary, which had selected Asue Ighodalo as the candidate.
The court found the primary invalid because 378 delegates who were supposed to vote were unlawfully excluded by the PDP.
In response, the PDP, through its National Campaign Council for the Edo State Election, described the court ruling as a minor setback.
Council Chairman and Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, addressed the verdict on Saturday during an inaugural meeting with the PDP National Executive Committee in Abuja.
He urged council members to remain steadfast, expressing confidence that the PDP is well-positioned to win due to the exemplary performance of outgoing Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
“There is a little setback, temporarily. God will see us through it. This is what will not stand in the court of law, particularly that we will be approaching the court of appeal,” Fintiri said.
“Referring to the three days, I mean, three days ago’s court judgment, anybody who peruses and looks through the entire process, you know that is a child’s play. And that shouldn’t deter us.”
He emphasized that the party fully backs its gubernatorial candidate, Asue Ighodalo, to secure victory in the September 21 gubernatorial election in Edo State.
Adeyemi Ajibade, the PDP National Legal Adviser, clarified that the party’s stance on the judgment does not undermine its candidate’s eligibility.
He also pointed out that the PDP is handling eight cases stemming from the Edo State PDP primaries, with Friday’s ruling marking the seventh case. He remains optimistic that the appellate court will clarify matters.
In his remarks, Ighodalo acknowledged that the upcoming election will be challenging due to numerous distractions.
Nonetheless, he expressed confidence in the PDP’s potential for success, highlighting his and his running mate’s unwavering commitment to the election.
“I know it’s not going to be easy, it’s going to be very difficult. We’ve already seen the signs that this is going to be a difficult election, not only issues but on distractions.
“Sometimes distractions are more difficult to deal with than issues. But I know that we have leaders here who are more than capable to set the ball rolling and to lift us higher than some others. So I’m truly grateful.
“Mr Chairman, Sir, you’ve already said everything that needs to be said. Every man and woman in this room has the full commitment to do the necessary work to take us through this hurdle.
“They are all extremely successful people in their own right. They will not commit themselves to this task if they are not fully committed to everything to assure our victory,” Ighodalo said.