The National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Asaba, Delta State, Wednesday, declared the February 25, 2023 National Assembly election held in Delta South Senatorial district inconclusive.
It also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct supplementary re-run election in the contentious Warri South Local Government Area of the State within 90 days.
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Michael Diden had approached the tribunal with his petition seeking the disqualification of the APC candidate, Joel Onowakpo-Thomas.
Diden argued that the electoral body did not follow the Electoral Act before declaring APC winner of the election.
The tribunal Chairman, Justice Catherine Ogunsola ruled that Thomas certificate of return be withdrawn.
Speaking shortly after the judgment, INEC counsel, Clark Ekpebe said they would study the judgment, adding that they still have the option of an appeal.
He said, “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”.
