The Senatorial Election Tribunal convened in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, has rendered a decision that led to the removal of Senator Thomas Onowakpo, who represented Delta South.
As reported by Punch, the petitioner, Mr. Michael Diden of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had taken his case to the tribunal, seeking the disqualification of the APC candidate. He contended that the electoral body had not adhered to the Electoral Act before declaring the APC candidate as the winner of the election.
Presiding over the case, Justice Catherine Ogunsola, the tribunal Chairman, issued a ruling that called for the withdrawal of Onowakpo’s certificate of return.
In a significant development, the tribunal has instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize a supplementary election within 90 days, specifically in Warri South Local Government Area of the state.
Following the verdict, INEC’s counsel, Clark Ekpebe, expressed their intention to scrutinize the judgment, emphasizing their option to pursue an appeal. He stated, “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.”
