The case that has recently captured public attention concerns an important legal ruling by Justice Ekwo regarding an electoral dispute. This affair, instigated by disgruntled delegates and instigated by one Kelvin Mohammed, led to the annulment of Ighodalo’s election on the basis of various irregularities. Justice Ekwo argued that non-compliance with both the 2022 Electoral Act and the PDP guidelines tainted the primary election process.
In his judgment, Justice Ekwo noted that the 381 party members illegally excluded from the primary process represented a flagrant violation of legal provisions. He also noted that the evidence presented by the plaintiffs conclusively demonstrated the injustice committed by the defendants. Examining the documents presented by the PDP, the judge concluded that the voting results had been fabricated by electoral agents, thus highlighting a serious distortion of the democratic process.
The mention of the 381 excluded delegates sparked additional tensions, particularly because of the plaintiffs’ supposed allegiance to Philip Shaibu, the impeached former vice governor of the state. Shaibu’s removal last April amid his dispute with Governor Godwin Obaseki had already exacerbated internal divisions within the PDP.
The impact of this court decision is undeniable, not only on the electoral process concerned but also on the political stability of the State. The consequences of this electoral cancellation will undoubtedly have profound repercussions on the local political landscape and will spark new debates about the legitimacy of electoral processes.
Finally, this case highlights the crucial importance of respecting electoral standards and transparency in the conduct of elections. It also highlights the persistent challenges faced by political actors in terms of democratic governance. Hopefully this court decision serves as a vital reminder of the imperative need to respect the integrity of the electoral process to ensure legitimate and fair political representation.