“Edo Guber: Okpebholo Hails Court Verdict Nullifying Ighodalo’s Candidacy
Senator Monday Okpebholo, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming Edo State election, has commended the Federal High Court’s judgment that invalidated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s primaries, which produced Asue Ighodalo as their candidate.
The court’s ruling, delivered on Thursday in Abuja, deemed the primary election that took place on February 22, 2024, null and void due to the unlawful exclusion of 378 delegates. Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo’s judgment emphasized that the PDP violated both the Electoral Act 2022 and their own guidelines during the primary election held at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin.
In a statement released by Senator Okpebholo’s campaign office, the APC candidate described the PDP as a “lawless and dysfunctional political party” incapable of managing its internal affairs. He believes the court’s verdict indicates the APC’s superiority in the upcoming election and assures that the people’s interests will be prioritized.
Okpebholo urged Ighodalo to withdraw from the race, citing the PDP’s “authoritarian and undemocratic” nature, exemplified by Governor Godwin Obaseki’s actions. He highlighted the PDP’s failed policies in Edo State, including insecurity, unemployment, cultism, flooding, poor road conditions, and disregard for traditional institutions, predicting a disastrous outcome for the party in the upcoming polls.
“I welcome the court’s verdict, which has saved Edo people from further suffering. The PDP’s so-called primaries were a sham, a far cry from democratic principles. With only two months until the election, the party remains in disarray, unable to organize its affairs.
“I call on Edo people to rally behind me and the APC to restore our state’s lost glory. Our administration is committed to reviving the good old days. Since Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s tenure as governor ended, our people have had little reason to celebrate. That will change in September when the people reclaim power through the ballot.
“Edo State has been marginalized for too long, evident in the neglect we’ve suffered. We must reconnect our state to the center and reclaim our rightful benefits. We are optimistic.
“This court verdict exposes the PDP’s chaotic nature, unfit to lead our beloved state. With the APC, I assure you of a better future. Our best is yet to come. God bless you all!”
