The Senatorial Election Tribunal in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, made a significant decision on Wednesday by removing Senator Thomas Onowakpo, who represented Delta South.
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Michael Diden, had filed a petition with the tribunal, seeking the disqualification of the APC candidate, alleging that the electoral body did not adhere to the Electoral Act before declaring the APC candidate as the winner of the election.
Tribunal Chairman, Justice Catherine Ogunsola, issued a ruling that called for the withdrawal of Senator Onowakpo’s certificate of return. Additionally, the tribunal ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a supplementary election in Warri South Local Government Area of the state within 90 days.
After the judgment, INEC’s counsel, Clark Ekpebe, stated that they would review the judgment and consider their options, which may include an appeal. He emphasized, “The judgment has been given, and we will go home and study the judgment. We have been asked to withdraw his certificate of return and conduct a supplementary election within 90 days. We have 60 days in the 90 days. Don’t forget we have an option of appealing the case.”