Newscenter Media News The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has brushed off setbacks in the lead-up to the September 21, 2024, Edo State Governorship election, insisting that smear campaigns against its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, are futile efforts.
It be recalled that Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja recently nullified the PDP primary election following a lawsuit (FHC/ABJ/CS/165/2024) filed by dissatisfied delegates represented by Kelvin Mohammed.
The court ruled that 378 delegates, entitled to vote, were unlawfully excluded, citing breaches of electoral laws and party guidelines during the primary held at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.
Responding to the ruling, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, had on Thursday, clarified that the court did not nullify Ighodalo’s candidacy. Ologunagba attributed the smear campaigns against Ighodalo to his widespread popularity and strong position in the upcoming election.
Read also: Oyo govt condemns destruction of newly rehabilitated road
However, in a statement on Sunday, Ologunagba said: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) affirms that smear campaigns and frivolous litigations aimed at distracting Dr. Asue Ighodalo, our candidate”.
He warned of orchestrated efforts by individuals with personal ambitions to tarnish Ighodalo’s image through court battles and media manipulation.
Despite the challenges, Ologunagba emphasized the PDP’s confidence in Ighodalo’s candidacy, dismissing the smear campaigns as ineffective. The party urged the judiciary, media, and security agencies to remain vigilant against such tactics, calling them a threat to democratic integrity.
“The schemes against Ighodalo and the people of Edo State have failed,” Ologunagba asserted, underscoring PDP’s determination to prevail in the forthcoming election despite the hurdles.
The post Edo Guber: PDP insists smear campaigns against Ighodalo futile appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.