A group, Young Edo Professionals Group has reacted to the resolution of the controversy surrounding Dr. Asue Ighodalo’s candidacy for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial election.
Recent developments have clarified the matter following the issuance of certified true copies (CTC) of the Court of Appeal’s judgement dated July 22, 2024.
The Appellate Court has upheld Dr. Ighodalo’s nomination as the PDP candidate for the September 21st election, dismissing an appeal filed by reinstated Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu.
The Court of Appeal’s decision came after a previous judgement by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, which had validated Dr. Ighodalo’s nomination from the February 22nd PDP primaries held in Benin City. The appeal, led by Shaibu, sought to overturn the decision.
In a statement by its convener, Ojieh Ejehi, the group said: ”We are glad that this issue has been laid to rest once and for all with the release of the CTC.
Part of the statement read: ”Attempts by Senator Oshiomhole to deceive the people of Edo concerning this judgement have been exposed.
”We are glad that the court’s ruling supported the trial court’s position that Shaibu lacked the legal standing to challenge the PDP primaries, as he had not actively participated in them.
”Additionally, the court found Shaibu’s suit to be premature and incompetent due to his failure to use the internal dispute resolution mechanisms required before resorting to litigation.
”With this judicial clarity, the legitimacy of Dr. Asue Ighodalo’s candidacy is reaffirmed, and the issues regarding the alleged exclusion of delegates have been definitively settled by the Court of Appeal. Dr. Ighodalo’s name and details are also confirmed on INEC’s final list of candidates.
”The Young Edo Professionals Group reaffirms its support for Dr. Ighodalo and encourages all stakeholders to focus on the forthcoming election with renewed confidence in the democratic process.”