Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo state
In a significant legal development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the plea put forth by Phillips Shaibu, the impeached Deputy Governor of Edo State. Shaibu sought to invalidate the outcome of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary held on February 22 in Edo State, which resulted in Asue Ighodalo emerging as the victor.
Delivering the verdict, Truth Live News gathered that, Justice James Omotosho emphasized that Shaibu lacked the legal standing, known as locus standi, to contest the primary’s outcome. This ruling stemmed from Shaibu’s non-participation in the primary process, as he was notably absent from the venue on the day of the event.
Furthermore, Justice Omotosho deemed Shaibu’s legal action premature, as he failed to utilize the internal dispute resolution mechanisms within the PDP prior to resorting to litigation. The judge underscored the obligation of party members to adhere to established rules and procedures, which mandate aggrieved aspirants to address their concerns through the party’s Appeal Committee before pursuing legal action.
In support of the decision, Justice Omotosho cited compelling evidence confirming Ighodalo’s victory in the primary election. This ruling reaffirms the integrity of the party’s internal processes while underscoring the importance of adherence to established protocols in resolving disputes within political organizations.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.