Debate over voter’s card settled as Appeal Court upholds Ighodalo’s candidacy
In a landmark decision, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal seeking to disqualify Asue Ighodalo, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the forthcoming Edo governorship election, over allegations of owning a forged voter’s card.
The appeal, filed by Phillip Shuaibu and others, challenged the validity of Ighodalo’s candidacy, but the Appeal Court affirmed the Federal High Court’s decision that non-possession of a voter’s card is not a disqualifying factor in an election.
In a unanimous judgment, the three-member panel headed by Justice Hamma Barka held that Shuaibu and others failed to prove that Ighodalo forged his voter’s card as alleged. The court also noted that the appeal was filed outside the 14-day limit allowed under Section 285 subsection 9 of the Constitution.
The Appeal Court’s decision has paved the way for Ighodalo’s candidacy in the Edo governorship election, scheduled for September 21. However, Shuaibu’s legal team has indicated plans to appeal the judgment, signaling a potential further legal battle.
In a related development, the Appeal Court awarded costs of one million naira each in favor of Ighodalo, the PDP, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
