Delta Governorship Election Tribunal Affirms Oborevwori’s Victory, Dismisses Omo-Agege’s Petition

The Delta State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has upheld the election of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 18, 2023 election. The tribunal dismissed the petition filed by former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege of the All Progressive Congress (APC), who challenged the declaration of Oborevwori as the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The three-member tribunal, headed by Justice C.H. Ahuchaogu, delivered its judgment on Friday, September 29, 2023, at the High Court Complex in Asaba, the state capital. The tribunal held that the petition was devoid of merit, speculative, and contained unsubstantiated allegations. The tribunal also awarded a cost of N500,000 against the petitioner.

Omo-Agege, who came in second in the March 18 election, had alleged that the election was marred by irregularities, violence, over-voting, and non-compliance with the Electoral Act and the INEC guidelines. He also claimed that Oborevwori was not duly elected by a majority of lawful votes cast at the election. He prayed to the tribunal to nullify the election and order a fresh one, or alternatively, declare him the winner of the election.

However, the tribunal dismissed all the grounds of the petition, stating that the petitioner failed to prove his allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. The tribunal also noted that the petitioner did not present any credible evidence or expert witness to substantiate his claims. The tribunal further stated that the petitioner relied on hearsay and documentary evidence that were not properly tendered or authenticated.

The tribunal also resolved the issues of jurisdiction and competence of the petition in favour of the respondents. The tribunal held that the petition was filed within the time limit prescribed by law and that the petitioner had the locus standi to file the petition. The tribunal also held that the petition was not defective or incompetent for not joining the PDP as a necessary party.

The tribunal, therefore, affirmed the declaration of Oborevwori as the duly elected governor of Delta State and dismissed the petition for lacking merit.

The judgement was greeted with jubilation by the supporters of Oborevwori and the PDP, who thronged the court premises to celebrate the victory. Oborevwori, who was present in court, thanked the tribunal for delivering a fair and just judgment. He also thanked the people of Delta State for their support and solidarity. He said he was not surprised by the outcome of the tribunal, as he was confident of his victory at the polls. He said he would continue to work for the development and progress of the state.

Omo-Agege, on the other hand, was not in court to witness the judgment. His counsel, Mr. Festus Keyamo, said he would consult with his client on the next line of action. He said he was disappointed by the judgment, as he believed that the petitioner had a strong case. He said he would study the judgement and decide whether to appeal or not.