Delta: APC’s Omo-Agege To Appeal Tribunal’s Verdict Upholding Oborevwori Victory

Ovie Omo-Agege, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Delta State, has instructed his legal team to initiate an immediate appeal following the recent verdict of the Election Petitions Tribunal that upheld the election of Sheriff Oborevwori as the governor of the state.

Omo-Agege expressed his intent to challenge the tribunal’s decision in a statement released by his Media Adviser, Sunny Areh, shortly after the judgment was delivered.

The tribunal’s ruling, issued on Friday, affirmed Sheriff Oborevwori’s victory in the March 18, 2023, gubernatorial election in Delta State. However, Senator Omo-Agege contended that the tribunal had failed to adequately consider the glaring irregularities that marred the election and cast doubt on the legitimacy of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) victory.

“The tribunal failed to reckon with the fundamental flaws in the March 18, 2023, governorship election that mortally rendered the declaration of the Peoples Democratic Party as the winner untenable,” Omo-Agege asserted.

He further elaborated, stating, “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 (INEC).

“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.”

Senator Omo-Agege remained resolute in his pursuit of justice for the people of Delta State, saying, “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.”

In its judgment, the three-member tribunal panel, led by Justice C.H. Ahuchaogu, affirmed the return of Sheriff Oborevwori as the winner of the March 18, 2023, gubernatorial election in the state. The tribunal concluded that the petitioners had failed to sufficiently prove allegations of non-compliance with the Electoral Act and corrupt practices beyond a reasonable doubt.

Senator Omo-Agege’s decision to appeal the tribunal’s ruling underscores the determination of the APC candidate to exhaust all legal avenues in his quest for electoral justice in Delta State.

The ensuing legal battle promises to be closely watched by political observers and citizens alike as the controversy surrounding the Delta State gubernatorial election continues.