…Says award of cost against appellants, a rebuke against vexatious litigation

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday commended the Court of Appeal for its courage in upholding justice by reaffirming the nomination of Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the candidate of the PDP in the September 21, 2024 Edo State Governorship election.

The party said in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba: “The award of cost by the Appeal Court against the Appellants in favour of Dr. Asue Ighodalo and other Respondents is an emphatic judicial rebuke against frivolous and vexatious court proceedings aimed at frustrating the outcome of a legally conducted democratic exercise of a political party.”

PDP described the judgment as “another landmark ruling which further strengthens democratic practice, validates the credibility of PDP nomination process and reinforces the Will and aspiration of the people of Edo State as embodied in the candidature of Dr. Asue Ighodalo.”

“Our Party,” according to the statement, “notes that with the verdict of the High Court and reaffirmation by the Appeal Court, both in favour of the PDP and its candidate, it is clear that Dr. Asue Ighodalo was duly and rightfully nominated as candidate; that he has no qualification issues and that the litigations against his candidature were all designed to distract the PDP and frustrate the Aspiration of the people of Edo State.

“The PDP restates its call on the unqualified candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Monday Okpebholo to step down from the race and face the issues of alleged forgery of voter’s card and birth documents which has further imperiled the APC governorship campaign.

“Our Party commends the people of Edo State for standing firmly behind its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who has demonstrated commitment, respect, vision and operable roadmap to sustain the wellbeing and development of the people of Edo State on the platform of the PDP.”