A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit filed by impeached Deputy Edo Governor Phillip Shuaibu and others, which sought to nullify Asue Ighodalo's nomination as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the upcoming governorship election in Edo State. The suit challenged Ighodalo's candidacy on the grounds of alleged voter card forgery.
Justice James Omotosho, delivering the judgment on Wednesday, declared the suit statute-barred. He explained that the case, being a pre-election matter, was filed beyond the 14-day period stipulated under Section 285(9) of the Constitution. Consequently, the timing of the lawsuit rendered it invalid.
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Furthermore, Justice Omotosho noted that although forgery or the absence of a voter card is a disqualifying factor under Section 182 of the Constitution, the plaintiffs failed to substantiate their claim that Ighodalo forged his voter card. The lack of evidence led to the dismissal of the allegations against the PDP candidate.
This judgment solidifies Asue Ighodalo’s position as the PDP candidate in the forthcoming Edo State governorship election, clearing a significant legal hurdle in his candidacy.
