The Peoples Democratic Party has celebrated a significant judicial victory with the Court of Appeal’s recent decision affirming the eligibility of Dr Asue Ighodalo, its candidate for the September 21, 2024, Edo State Governorship Election.
PDP, in a Friday statement, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, hailed the court’s ruling.
According Online earlier reported on Friday, that the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal from Edo State PDP governorship aspirants Arthur Esene and Anselm Ojezua, who sought to disqualify the party’s candidate, Ighodalo.
The appeal aimed to overturn an April 17, 2024, Federal High Court judgment by Justice James Omotosho, which had dismissed their case as statute-barred.
The Court of Appeal, led by Justice Hamma Barka, upheld the earlier decision, ruling that the suit was filed too late.
It called it a major win for the people of Edo State, reinforcing their collective will and aspirations. It was titled, “Voter’s Card: PDP Celebrates Appeal Court Judgement Affirming Ighodalo’s Eligibility.”
The party described the judgment as a triumph of truth over the alleged misinformation and propaganda from the All Progressives Congress.
It read, “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) @OfficialPDPNig asserts that today’s judgement of the Court of Appeal, which unanimously affirmed the eligibility of its candidate in the September 21, 2024, Edo State Governorship election, @Aighodalo Dr. Asue Ighodalo, is another resounding victory for the collective will and aspiration of the people of Edo State.
“The Party describes the Appeal Court judgment, which established the authenticity of Dr Asue Ighodalo’s INEC Voter’s card, as another triumph of truth over APC’s lies, falsehood, and propaganda.”
Also, the PDP criticised the APC’s attempts to disrupt Ighodalo’s candidature through numerous court cases, which it claims were designed to distract from the party’s perceived weaknesses.
The PDP further contended that the APC’s candidate, Monday Okpebholo, is inadequately positioned to match Ighodalo’s appeal.
“The pronouncement of the Appeal Court that the litigation against Dr Asue Ighodalo was bereft of merit and based on flawed assumptions further validates the position of the PDP that the several court cases instituted against Dr Asue Ighodalo were contrived, frivolous, and only aimed at distracting our candidate and the people of Edo State.
“It is public knowledge that the @OfficialAPCNg APC was desperate to stop Dr Asue Ighodalo with multiple court cases, knowing that its candidate, Monday Okpebholo @m_akpakomiza who is practically empty, purposeless, and uninspiring, is no match for the PDP candidate at the poll,” it further read.
In response to the Court of Appeal’s decision, the PDP suggested that the APC and its candidate reconsider their position in the race.
The Party commended the Edo State electorate for their continued support and encouraged them to stay vigilant as the election approached.
It concluded, “Today’s judgement of the Court of Appeal has therefore practically brought the APC to its knees and wit’s end. The APC, its candidate, Monday Okpebholo, and his propaganda machine, led by Adams Oshiomhole, should counsel themselves, as it is not too late for the APC to withdraw from the race.
“Our party commends the people of Edo State for their support for the PDP and Dr. Asue Ighodalo and urges them to remain resolute and vigilant as we collectively coast to victory, come September 21, 2024.”
