The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election that resulted in Asue Ighodalo becoming the party's flagbearer for the upcoming Edo gubernatorial race has been declared invalid on Thursday by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

In a ruling, Justice Inyang Ekwo declared that the PDP's primary on February 22 did not adhere to the party's constitution, the rules governing the conduct of the election, or the terms of the Electoral Act, 2022.

Justice Ekwo found that the plaintiffs were able to prove their case against the defendants by using the exhibits that were presented, stating that Exhibit PDP 1 tendered by the party was devoid of proof.

The judge stated that relying on the evidence provided by the PDP, the returning officers who prepared the result sheets just sat down in a place to manufacture the outcome of the poll.

The first defendant's attorney just stated that it will abide with the court's ruling, according to the judge.

Reports by journalists indicate that three agitated ad hoc delegates filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, its national secretary, and the vice chairman of South South as the first through fourth defendants, respectively, on behalf of the 378 other parties.

The plaintiffs sought for two orders In the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/165/2024 dated Feb. 7 but filed Feb 8.

The plaintiffs, who are Mr. Ederaho Osagie, Mr. Gabriel Okoduwa, and Hon. Kelvin Mohammed, claimed that granting their reliefs would be in the best interests of justice on behalf of others in 127 wards and 12 local government regions.

According to journalists, the 381 delegates are supporters of deputy governor Philip Shaibu, who is under investigation.