Delta Guber: Tribunal Reserves Judgement In Omo-Agege’s Petition

The Delta State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Asaba, has taken a significant step towards the resolution of the matter brought before it by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a pivotal session held on Thursday, the tribunal under the leadership of Justice C.O Ahuchaogu opted to reserve its judgement on the case.

The core of Omo-Agege’s petition rests on challenging the legitimacy of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s victory in the gubernatorial election held on March 18, 2023, as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Following the conclusion of arguments and submissions by the involved parties, the three-member tribunal adjourned the session for judgement.

Justice Ahuchaogu said the exact date for the judgement would be communicated to the parties and their respective legal representatives.

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Representing the first respondent, INEC, Prof. John Abugu, noted that the commission had unequivocally adopted its comprehensive 30-page written address, urging the tribunal to dismiss the petition for lack of merit.

Damian Dodo, SAN, acting as counsel for Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, informed the tribunal that the second respondent fully endorsed the arguments articulated in the final written address.

Dodo reiterated the call for the tribunal to dismiss the petition, asserting that the petitioner’s allegations lack the evidential foundation required for their validation.

“The very nature of petitions demands substantiation through evidence; regrettably, the petitioner’s witnesses and submitted documents fall short in establishing the veracity of the petition”, Dodo argued.

Counsel representing the third respondent, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ekeme Ohwovoriole, SAN, aligned with the party’s written address, dismissing the petition as speculative and unworthy of further consideration.

Dr. Alex Izinyon, SAN, representing Omo-Agege, advocated for the petitioner’s position while adopting the presented written address.

Izinyon contended that the petitioner had successfully substantiated the claims through well-constructed pleadings and supporting documents. He fervently urged the tribunal to recognize the petitioner’s case and declare Omo-Agege as the rightful winner of the election.

As this critical tribunal proceedings draw to a close, the people of Delta State, along with the nation at large, eagerly anticipate the forthcoming judgement, which is poised to shape the trajectory of the state’s political landscape.