The Delta State Election Petition Tribunal, on Wednesday, sacked Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, representing the Delta South Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
The Senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Michael Diden, had challenged the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Thomas in the 2023 National Assembly elections.
Diden and his party, the PDP, in their petition marked EPT/DT/SEN/ 01/2023, asked the tribunal to void the declaration of Thoma, alleging that he was not duly elected by the majority of lawful votes cast at the polls.
In their ruling, a three-man panel headed by Justice Cathrine Ogunsola declared that the election that brought in Thomas was inconclusive.
The tribunal ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a supplementary election in the Warri South council area of Delta South senatorial district within 90 days.
Reacting to the judgment, the APC senator said in a statement:
”I am aware of the judgement delivered by the National Assembly Petition Tribunal sitting in Asaba, Delta State.
”Though we are yet to receive the certified true copy of the judgement, preliminary brief suggested sufficient grounds for appeal, which will give us victory.
”As I consult the leadership of our party and my legal team, rest assured that we will appeal this judgement, and we will do everything within our God-given grace to defend our mandate.
”However, I wish to urge my teeming supporters and APC faithful in Delta South Senatorial District to remain calm and show brotherly love to one another.
”Rest assured that, by God’s grace, the mandate you gave to me at the polls will be defended, and I will remain your senator now and for the next four years.”
