Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially confirmed that Asue Ighodalo, the governorship candidate for the Edo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP), is a registered voter with a valid Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC).
This crucial confirmation was made during a court proceeding at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where INEC’s testimony played a pivotal role in addressing a legal dispute surrounding Ighodalo’s candidacy. The suit was filed by Anslem Ojezua, another aspirant who lost the PDP primary election, challenging Ighodalo’s nomination for the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial election scheduled for September 21. Ojezua had alleged that Ighodalo’s PVC was fraudulent, leading to the court case.
INEC countered these allegations by presenting documentary evidence and a staff witness to validate that Ighodalo’s name and registration details are indeed listed on the commission’s voter registration portal for the Idirio Primary School Polling Unit, Ewohimi Ward 1, Esan South-East Local Government Area in Edo State. This confirmation of Ighodalo’s legitimate voter status allowed INEC to close its case in the ongoing legal suit.
Presiding over the case, Justice Kalowola James Omotosho has directed all parties involved to submit their written addresses, adjourning the case to July 16 for further proceedings.
This development comes at a crucial time as the Edo State gubernatorial election campaign season intensifies. Asue Ighodalo, now firmly established as the PDP’s flag bearer, will face off against candidates from other political parties, each vying to challenge the ruling party’s dominance in the state.
