The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that Edo PDP governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, is a duly registered voter with a valid Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC).
This confirmation was made by INEC during a court proceeding at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
INEC’s testimony came in response to a suit filed by Anslem Ojezua, another PDP aspirant who lost the party’s primary election, challenging Ighodalo’s nomination as the PDP candidate for the upcoming Edo state gubernatorial election scheduled for September 21.
Ojezua had alleged that Ighodalo’s PVC was fake, prompting the court case.
However, INEC presented documentary evidence and a staff witness to confirm that Ighodalo’s name and registration details can be found on the commission’s voter registration portal for the Idirio Primary School Polling Unit, Ewohimi Ward 1, Esan south east local government area in Edo state.
With INEC’s confirmation of Ighodalo’s valid voter registration status, the commission closed its case in the ongoing suit.
The presiding judge, Justice Kalowola James Omotosho, has directed all parties to file their written addresses, and the case has been adjourned to July 16.
The development came as the Edo State gubernatorial election campaign season heats up, with Ighodalo as the PDP’s flag bearer and other political parties fielding their candidates to challenge the ruling party’s hold on the state.