The Federal High Court in Abuja has again adjourned the suit challenging the All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta South Senatorial primary election after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to appear in court.
Justice Mohammed Umar postponed the hearing to July 8 after plaintiff’s counsel, Bankole Akomolafe (SAN), noted that INEC had neither appeared nor filed any response despite being served. This marks the third consecutive absence by the electoral body.
The suit was filed by former DESOPADEC chairman, Prince Michael Diden, who is challenging the declaration of Senator Joel Onowakpo as winner of the APC primary held on May 18, 2026.
Diden claims he won the primary with 96,893 votes, compared to Onowakpo’s 31,918 votes, alleging that fake results were announced and circulated by his opponent. He said video evidence of the primary would be presented in court.
The plaintiff is asking the court to declare him the rightful winner of the primary, direct the APC to submit his name to INEC as the party’s candidate for the 2027 Delta South Senatorial election, and compel INEC to accept his nomination
