By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
The Abuja division of the Federal High Court has dismissed a suit filed by the impeached Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu, against the conduct of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) primary election that resulted in Asuen Ighodalo being selected as the candidate.
Justice James Omotoso, in his recent judgment, stated that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to bring the case forward and did not fulfill the necessary requirements prior to filing the lawsuit.
Furthermore, the judge emphasized that the former deputy governor, who did not participate in the primary election, does not possess the legal authority to contest or criticize the election.
Justice Omotoso pointed out that there was substantial evidence proving that Shuaibu was absent from the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City during the primary election on February 22.
The court highlighted that Shuaibu was known to have engaged in a separate primary election at his residence, which was undisputed. Additionally, Justice Omotoso concluded that Shuaibu neglected to utilize the internal dispute resolution mechanisms of the PDP as required by law before resorting to legal action.
He further stated that the former deputy governor had no grounds to demand the annulment of the primary election or the disqualification of Ighodalo, given his failure to participate in the election as a prerequisite for raising objections or initiating legal proceedings.
The Edo gubernatorial election is scheduled for September 24.
Shuaibu’s lawsuit sought to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from acknowledging Ighodalo as the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate and requested a court order for a new primary election to be conducted.
His main contention was that the Electoral Act 2022 and the PDP’s guidelines were disregarded during the primary election held on February 22.
