Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Edo governorship election, expressed relief after the Court of Appeal dismissed a legal challenge against his candidacy.
On Friday, the Abuja Court of Appeal rejected an appeal aimed at disqualifying Ighodalo from the September 21 election. The case was brought forward by Arthur Esene and Anselm Ojezua, fellow governorship aspirants, who sought to overturn a previous ruling by the Abuja Federal High Court.
The high court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, had earlier dismissed their suit, declaring it statute-barred.
Addressing supporters at a rally in Uromi and Igueben, Ighodalo acknowledged that the legal battle had impacted his campaign. “We had a colleague who went to court, and it saddens me because I would have preferred we worked together as one,” he remarked.
Ighodalo emphasized the toll the case had taken on his campaign efforts. “The court cases have been distractions, affecting our ability to focus on the election,” he said. However, he expressed hope for unity within the party moving forward, adding, “I hope we come together as a strong, united team for the benefit of Edo State’s people.”
