With these legal hurdles out of the way, the coast is now clear for Asue Ighodalo to contest the forthcoming September election as the Flag bearer of the People’s Democratic Party.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed an appeal challenging the candidacy of Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Edo State.
Justice Barka clarified the timing issue: “Once the constitution provides a time for doing a thing, it must be done within that time.
“The issue is a pre-election matter under section 285(9) of the constitution. A calculation here renders the action above the prescribed 14 days.”
The court also dismissed allegations of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) forgery.
“The burden of proving forgery is proof beyond reasonable doubt, and there is no evidential basis to prove forgery in this case,” Barka stated.
He further emphasised that a voter’s card is not a constitutional requirement to run for governor.
All issues were resolved against the appellants, and the court reaffirmed Dr Ighodalo as the legitimate PDP candidate for the September 21st governorship election.
A cost of ₦3 million was awarded against the appellants.
With these legal challenges dismissed, Dr Ighodalo is set to contest as the PDP flag bearer in the upcoming Edo election.
