Tribunal Sacks Delta South Senator, Re-run within 90 days

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Asaba, Delta state, has declared the February 25, 2023 Delta South senatorial district election inconclusive.

The tribunal earlier dismissed the cross petition brought by Onowakpo, alleging that the credentials submitted to INEC by Diden were forged.

The margin of lead in the said election is about 2,000 votes, whereas the total number of voters who collected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) in Warri South is over 60,000.

The three-member tribunal headed by Justice Cathrine Ogunsola, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct supplementary election for Warri South local government area of the senatorial district within 90 days.

Justice Ogunsola who read the judgement, also set aside the Certificate of Return issued to Senator Joel Onowakpo of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Michael Diden of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had in petition number EPT/DT/SEN/01/2023, approached to be declared the duly elected senator or in the alternative, the tribunal should order supplementary poll for the disputed Warri South council.