Election
Joel-Onowakpo Thomas: Tribunal sacks APC senator in Delta State, orders 90 days re-run
Delta State Election Petition Tribunal has sacked Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, ordering a legislative election rerun in the next 90 days.
The lawmaker representing the Delta South Senatorial District popularly known as JOT has called for calm, noting that he will defend his mandate.
Thomas was challenged by the senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Michael Diden who noted that he did not lawfully garner the highest number of votes in the National Assembly elections.
In a petition labelled EPT/DT/SEN/ 01/2023, Diden and the PDP asked the tribunal to void INEC’s declaration of a candidate of Thomas.
In delivering a judgment, a three-man tribunal led by Justice Cathrine Ogunsola declared that the election was inconclusive. The judges ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a supplementary election in the Warri South council area of Delta South senatorial district within 90 days.
Reacting to the judgment, Thomas said, “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, the 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 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,” Thomas said.
