The Delta State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, on Friday, struck out the petition of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ovie Omo-Agege challenging the election of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as governor..
The tribunal ruled that the petition lacked merit.
In its judgement, the Justice Chibuzo Ahuchaogu-led three-member panel affirmed the return of Oborevwori as the winner of the 18th March 2023 governorship election in the state.
The tribunal held that the petitioners failed to prove allegations of non-compliance with the Electoral Act, and corrupt practices beyond a reasonable doubt.
Shortly after the ruling, Omo-Agege, who was the Deputy President of the ninth Senate, said he had directed his legal team to immediately proceed with an appeal.
According to a statement by his Media Adviser, Hon. Sunny Areh, Omo-Agege said: “The tribunal failed to reckon with the fundamental flaws in the 18th March2023 governorship election that mortally rendered the declaration of the Peoples Democratic Party as the winner untenable”.
The statement further read: “It is a no brainer that the tribunal operated under a very challenging environment. It therefore ignored the unassailable evidence adduced to question the validity of lawful votes as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“I respect the decision of the Tribunal, but it is flawed. I have no doubt that these flaws which the Tribunal failed to address will be dispassionately evaluated at the Court of Appeal.
“I have, therefore, directed my legal team to immediately proceed to the Court of Appeal and continue with the fight to restore the sanctity of the people’s vote”.
