Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, struck out two separate suits questioning the primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that produced Asue Ighodalo as the party’s governorship candidate for the coming Edo State governorship election.
The court held that those who instituted the suits from the political camp of former Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Shuaibu, have no locus standi (Legal right) to do so.
Delivering judgments in the suits, Justice Ekwo held that the plaintiffs failed to exhibit sufficient, direct and tangible personal interest that could lead the court to nullify the primary election.
While the first suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/195/2024, was filed by Adizetu Umoru, the second suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/196/2024, was filed by Moses Alabi and Christopher Oboarer.
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The plaintiffs had sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), PDP, Umar Damagu (acting national chairman), Setonji Koshoedo, PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), and its National Executive Committee (NEC) as 1st to 6th defendants respectively.
The three plaintiffs, in their separate motions filed on February 19, sought an interim order of the court restraining the defendants from using the list of ward congresses held on February. 4, for the purpose of conducting the PDP’s primary election in Edo State, slated for February. 22 or any other date pending the hearing and determination of the main suit.
Justice Ekwo however held that the plaintiffs did not establish how their individual interests were affected or jeopardized by the primary election.
The Judge specifically said that the plaintiffs did not establish whether they were eligible to participate in election but prevented or whether wrongdoings were displayed during the election.
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