In an exclusive interview on “Politics Today” aired by Channels TV, former House of Representatives member and Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Mr. Harrison Omagbon, expressed his bewilderment over the recent jubilation surrounding the nullification of Asue Ighodalo’s candidacy. Omagbon argued that it is “not justiciable” for delegates to sue parties since they are not direct parties to the election process.
In the interview monitored by Truth Live News, Omagbon stated that the joy over the court’s decision is misplaced because the judgment came too late to be of any practical consequence. He emphasized that the actions of the delegates at Ogbe Stadium, which were overseen by national officers of the PDP, were legitimate and successful.
Referencing the Electoral Act, Omagbon highlighted Section 84, Subsection 14, which he interprets to mean that the selection of a candidate to represent the party is an internal affair. “Only the PDP as a party can decide who its candidates are; it is as simple as ABC,” Omagbon asserted. He further explained that the party has the sole authority to determine its delegates, rendering any external challenges arbitrary and baseless.
The former lawmaker’s comments come amid ongoing debates within the PDP regarding the legitimacy of various candidacies and the role of the judiciary in internal party matters. Omagbon’s stance underscores the tension between party autonomy and legal oversight, a recurring issue in Nigerian politics.