Edo PDP Relives Zamfara, Rivers APC’s 2019 Primaries Nightmare

Less than three months before the governorship election, a court judgment has invalidated the primaries of the Edo State’s People’s Democratic Party (Edo PDP). This development has drawn parallels with the Zamfara and Rivers state All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in 2019, which were marred by internal conflicts and legal challenges.

In 2019, the APC in Zamfara and Rivers states faced significant internal wrangling that led to the invalidation of their primaries. In Zamfara, a supremacy battle between former Governor Abdulaziz Yari and Senator Kabiru Marafa’s factions resulted in a protracted intra-party feud. Both factions conducted separate primaries without reconciliation, leading the apex court to declare the primaries invalid. Consequently, the court ruled that the first runners-up in the general elections take over all the seats previously won by the APC.

Similarly, in Rivers, a federal high court annulled both the direct and indirect primary elections of the APC due to a subsisting court injunction. The judge ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prevent the APC from presenting any candidates in the elections. These legal battles and the resulting disenfranchisement of party candidates serve as a cautionary tale for the Edo PDP as it navigates its current crisis.

Edo PDP Primaries: A Repeat of History?

Fast forward to 2024, and the Edo PDP seems to be facing a similar crisis. The February 22 governorship primaries were separately conducted by the factions of Governor Godwin Obaseki and his former deputy, Mr. Philip Shaibu. The former deputy governor was impeached amid allegations of leaking classified government information to the public and subsequently lost in the primaries. However, he vowed to challenge the primary process in court, a promise that has now come to fruition.

Loyalists of Shaibu took the matter to court, and the primary that produced the PDP governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, was declared invalid. The court held that some delegates who were qualified to participate in the primaries conducted by the Obaseki-led faction at Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin were not allowed to vote. This decision was deemed contrary to the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines, which mandate that all party delegates must be allowed to participate in the primary process.

The court emphasized, “There is no doubt that the 2nd defendant (the Edo PDP) neither complied with the relevant provision of its constitution nor the Electoral Guidelines for primary elections of 22nd February 2024. It is the law that political parties must obey their constitution, guidelines, and regulations. The failure to comply with the Electoral Guidelines is not different from the effect of non-compliance with the constitution of the political party or non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.”

Implications for Edo PDP’s Electoral Prospects

The invalidation of the Edo PDP’s state primaries has significant implications for the party’s electoral prospects. With the governorship election just around the corner, the PDP faces the challenge of reconciling its internal factions and conducting a new primary that complies with both its internal guidelines and the electoral laws of Nigeria. The court’s ruling underscores the importance of adhering to established procedures and the consequences of failing to do so.

The situation also presents an opportunity for the opposition parties in Edo state. The APC and other contenders may capitalize on the PDP’s internal discord and court-imposed setbacks. Historically, such legal and organizational challenges can erode public confidence in a party’s ability to govern effectively, which could sway voters towards more stable and unified alternatives.

Furthermore, the ongoing legal battles and potential for further litigation add a layer of uncertainty to the electoral process. The Edo PDP must act swiftly to resolve its internal issues and ensure that its candidates are legally recognized to avoid a repeat of the Zamfara and Rivers APC’s 2019 experiences, where internal disputes led to significant electoral losses.

The People’s Democratic Party’s Response

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has vociferously disputed the recent court decision that nullified its gubernatorial primary election in Edo State. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, emphasized that the primaries were conducted within the legal framework stipulated by the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act of 2022, and the Nigerian Constitution. He stated, “The Party affirms that the Congresses and subsequent Governorship Primary that produced Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the winner and Party’s flagbearer were duly and legally conducted in strict compliance with the provisions of the Constitution and Electoral Guidelines of the PDP, the Electoral Act, 2022 and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

Further defending the integrity of the process, Ologunagba underscored the transparency of the primaries. He pointed out that the primary election, held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, was monitored by officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and various security agencies. He added that the event was publicly conducted with accreditation, polling, ballot counting, collation, and the declaration of results broadcast live on national TV and social media platforms. “The PDP maintains that no eligible delegate was excluded from participating in the Primary election,” he asserted, emphasizing the party’s commitment to democratic principles.

Relief from Imposition of Forgery

In stark contrast, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a “relief from imposition of forgery.” Comrade Orobosa Omo-Ojo, the Director of Publicity for the APC Governorship Campaign Council, expressed that the disqualification of Dr. Asue Ighodalo was met with widespread approval among Edo State residents. He remarked, “The news of the disqualification of Mr. Asue Ighodalo as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate has been received by the Edo people as relief from imposition of forgery and continuation of self-serving governance in our state.”

Omo-Ojo’s statement reflects the APC’s stance that the PDP’s governance in Edo State has been marred by allegations of self-interest and legal improprieties. The court’s ruling, according to the APC, is a step towards restoring electoral integrity and ensuring that candidates who emerge from party primaries are free from allegations of misconduct. This position underscores the party’s broader narrative of advocating for transparency and accountability in the political process.

Analysts Weigh In

Political analysts have drawn parallels between the current situation facing the PDP in Edo State and the challenges the APC encountered in Zamfara and Rivers during the 2019 general elections. They caution that the PDP could face significant electoral setbacks if it fails to address the legal and procedural issues that led to the nullification of its primaries. According to analysts, the PDP must urgently seek redress at the appellate court and present compelling evidence that the primaries were conducted without irregularities and that all eligible delegates were allowed to vote.

The analysts argue that the PDP’s ability to overturn the court’s decision hinges on demonstrating that the primary election process was fair and transparent. They emphasize that the party needs to provide clear proof that the election was conducted in accordance with the law and that any claims of forgery or exclusion of delegates are unfounded. By doing so, the PDP can mitigate the risks of electoral disruptions and maintain its competitive edge in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.