A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, has barred incumbent governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki from contesting the governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
1st News can report that the order was issued on Monday, June 22, 2020 in a suit FHC/PH/CS/69/2020.
Equally important, the order of interim injunction granted by Justice E.A Obile; was filed by Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, who is also contesting the PDP primary for the Edo State gubernatorial election.
A Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court order sighted by 1st News reveals that Hon. Ogbeide-Ihama had prayed the court to bar Obaseki from contesting the primary election on the grounds that the Edo Governor did not purchase the nomination form for the election. Also, he had held that Obaseki did not undergo screening within the time frame stipulated in the timetable by the PDP.
Furthermore, the plaintiff had sought an order of the court restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); from recognising Obaseki as a candidate of the PDP in the primary election.
Joined in the suit was the Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, Emmanuel Ogidi, Hon. Kingsley Chinda; Chief Bodekeme Boyleyefa, Sen. James Manager, Hon. Ajibola Muraina, the PDP, Obaseki and INEC.
Consequently, Justice Obile who heard the motion ex-parte ordered that the status quo be maintained. This is pending the accelerated hearing of the motion on notice on Wednesday, June 24, 2020.
1st News had reported that Obaseki, who has been embroiled in a bitter feud with estranged godfather; Adams Oshiomhole, had announced his exit from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, June 16, 2020. His decision came a few minutes after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa.
Subsequently, he had defected to the PDP on Friday, June 19, 2020.
Thereafter, he had picked up his membership card, with the party granting him and Deputy Governor; Phillip Shuaibu a waiver to contest the party primary for the governorship election.
Meanwhile, the suit may jeopardize Obaseki’s chances of contesting the PDP primary; especially if he fails in setting aside the order.
1st News reports that the PDP primary for the governorship election has been rescheduled for Thursday, June 25.
Please see Certified True Copy of the court order below.
