The governorship election petitions tribunal sitting in Asaba, the Delta state capital, has commenced hearing of the petition of the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Olorogun Barrister Kenneth Gbagi, challenging the declaration of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer, Sheriff Oborevwori winner of the March 18, 2023 poll.
The expected legal battle by the SDP candidate, disputing the outcome of the 2023 governorship poll has fully commenced from June 1, 2023, after the tribunal adjourned on May 24, 2023.
Gbagi, a former minister of state for education, is challenging the eligibility of Oborevwori, that of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ovie Omo-Agege, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru and Labour Party (LP), Ken Pela.
Head of the tribunal, Justice C. H Ahuchaogu, directed the respondents in the case to file and serve the petitioner with their applications on or before June 5, 2023.
Ahuchaogu, after listening to all the parties, adjourned till June 13 for the continuation of the petition.
Addressing journalists shortly after the adjournment, the led counsel to the petitioner, Mr Magaji Mato Ibrahim (SAN), said the substantial part of the Pre-hearing has been conducted on June 1, 2023.
While expressing delight over the outcome of the proceeding, Gbagi’s lead counsel said, “The pre-trial section had commenced and all parties have responded. What is left are the motions that are pending which will be taken in the next adjournment day”.
“All processes for filing, exchange will be done on that day. So, nothing will stop the hearing of the applications, those that are pending and others will be filed.
“The ground as it contains in the Act, is in section 134 which is the issue of qualifications. That is to say “We are challenging the qualifications of all candidates”.
“We are saying that as at the time they contested the election, they were not qualified and because of that the person that won and those who did not win should be stand to be disqualified by INEC and once the disqualification is succeeded, we are saying the court should call for fresh election and then only our candidate and his party will remain the only one to stand for the election”, he revealed.
