In a Landmark Decision, Supreme Court Affirms Electoral Legitimacy
In a watershed moment for Delta State, the Nigerian Supreme Court has delivered a unanimous verdict, dismissing the appeal lodged by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. The appeal contested the outcome of the governorship election held on March 18, 2023, in the state. However, the apex court, led by the eminent Justice Inyang Okoro, emphatically declared that the appeal lacked merit, as the APC and Omo-Agege fell short of substantiating claims that the election deviated significantly from the provisions of the Electoral Act 2023.
The court, after thorough examination, also brushed aside Omo-Agege’s concerns regarding the absence of serial numbers on specific result sheets utilized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the declaration of the election results. Justice Okoro underscored that the alleged absence of serial numbers did not impact the margin of lead in favour of the declared winner, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori.
Consequently, the Supreme Court firmly asserted that the appellants failed to meet the requisite burden of proof mandated by the law to overturn the judgments handed down by both the Court of Appeal and the Delta State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal. The dismissal of the petition came without any cost implications.
This monumental decision marks a historic victory for His Excellency Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, and solidifies the legitimacy of his mandate as the duly elected Governor of Delta State. Many Deltans see the ruling as one that reinforces the resilience of the electoral process, and an adherence to legal standards in upholding the will of the people.
As the news reverberates across the state, Delta celebrates the judicial affirmation of Governor Oborevwori’s electoral triumph, anticipating a continued era of leadership that they hope would be dedicated to the progress and well-being of its citizens.
