The Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Asaba, the Delta State capital, has reserved judgement in Barr Kenneth Gbagi’s petition, seeking to disqualify the governorship candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and governor of the state, Sheriff Oborevwori.
Gbagi, the flag bearer of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the March 18, 2023 election, is equally seeking the disqualification of the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ovie Omo-Agege, candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Great Ogboru and Labour Party (LP), Ken Pela and their deputies.
Gbagi urged the tribunal in his 79-page petition to disqualify Oborevwori on grounds of falsification of documents, electoral malpractices, non-compliance with the Nigerian constitution and the Electoral Act.
After all the counsels adopted their final written addresses, Justice H. C. Ahuchaogu, who led the three-member panel of the tribunal said that a date for judgement in the suit would be communicated to the parties.
Earlier, at the proceedings, counsels to the 1st to 13th respondents adopted their final written addresses and urged the tribunal to dismiss Gbagi’s petition.
Addressing journalists after the tribunal rose, the lead counsel to Gbagi, Mr Mato Magaji Ibrahim (SAN) expressed optimism of winning the case at the tribunal.
He said, “So far, we thank God Almighty. We have done all we are supposed to do humanly possible as lawyers to the petitioners and we have confidence in what we have done and the evidence we have presented in the petition.
“We are hopeful that by the special grace of God, judgement will be in our favour and we will be welcoming you to government house very soon.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on March 20, 2023, declared Oborevwori of PDP winner of the governorship election.
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