Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor
Ifeanyi Okowa, also from the PDP, failed in their attempt to stop a petition
filed against them by opposition Parties in Delta State, including the Labour
Party (LP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The petition called for the
formation of an election tribunal to assess whether Governor Okowa legitimately
won his gubernatorial race.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
declared Governor Okowa the winner of the April 11, gubernatorial contest.
Governor Okowa, in his preliminary objection through his
lead counsel last week, told the three man tribunal sitting in Asaba, the Delta
State capital, to strike down the APC and LP petitions for failing to apply for
a pre-hearing notice as provided in under paragraph 18 (1) of the Electoral Act
2014 as amended.
The tribunal, lead by Justice Nasir Gunmi, held that all
applications would be entertained along with the substantive petitions. Justice
Gunmi also said that "motions will be heard alongside the substantive
petitions."
It was also ruled that the case against Governor Okowa has
been adjourned to Thursday, July 9th, at which point the tribunal plans to have
a full hearing of the APC and LP allegations against Governor Okowa.
Meanwhile, there was wild jubilation by Party members and
supporters of the APC and LP at the court premises when Governor Okowa’s
preliminary objection was overruled.
It would be recalled that two weeks ago another legal
maneuver by Governor Okowa failed, which attempted to disqualify the case
brought against him and the Delta State PDP from APC and LP leaders.
8 Comments
Serves Okowa right
ReplyDeleteDid he legitimately won?
ReplyDeleteOh pls! Let losers go get lives
ReplyDeleteThey'll be in court while he's ruling!
ReplyDeleteHe won & that's it.
ReplyDeleteIt's so good, we can't wait
ReplyDeleteWhy will he want to strike their petition down if he's being sincere
ReplyDeleteNice one!
ReplyDelete