On November 24, 2023, the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal made a decisive ruling, rejecting the petition filed by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate. The petition contested the judgment of the Delta State Election Petitions Tribunal, which affirmed the victory of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as the Governor of Delta State. The appellate court dismissed Omo-Agege’s petition, along with those of Chief Kenneth Gbagi of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Ken Pela of the Labour Party (LP), citing a lack of merit in all cases.
Governor Oborevwori’s triumph in the March 18 governorship poll was further solidified by the Court of Appeal, which declared him the rightful winner. This decision aligns with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of Oborevwori’s victory on March 20. The defeated candidates had sought redress at the Election Petitions Tribunal, but the tribunal upheld Oborevwori’s election on September 29.
In a comprehensive analysis, the article highlights the unassailable nature of the election results, emphasizing that Governor Oborevwori secured 21 out of the 25 local governments in the state. Omo-Agege, the article notes, won only four local governments within his Delta Central Senatorial zone. The piece questions the rationale behind the defeated candidates’ expectations for a different outcome, considering the significant margin by which Governor Oborevwori emerged victorious.
The article also touches on the alleged electoral malpractices in Ughelli North, Omo-Agege’s local government, and criticizes the unsuccessful pre-election strategies of the petitioners. Omo-Agege’s reliance on Delta Central and legal challenges against Sheriff Oborevwori, as well as Gbagi’s attempt to ride on the popularity of his party’s presidential candidate, are described as futile endeavors.
In conclusion, the piece asserts that Governor Oborevwori’s overwhelming victory reflects the will of the people, dismissing the petitioners’ attempts to overturn the results. While acknowledging the petitioners’ right to seek redress at the Supreme Court, the article expresses skepticism about their chances, emphasizing that the people of Delta State have unequivocally chosen Oborevwori as their governor.
