The Delta State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, located in Asaba, has dismissed a petition filed by Ovie Omo-Agege, the immediate past Deputy President of the Senate and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, in the March 18th gubernatorial election.

The three-member panel, led by Justice C.H. Ahuchaogu, ruled that the petition against the election victory of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his deputy, Monday Onyeme, lacked merit.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had previously declared Oborevwori the governorship poll winner after receiving 360,234 votes, surpassing Omo-Agege’s 240,229 votes. 

Other candidates included Ken Pela of the Labour Party with 48,047 votes, Great Ogboru of the All Progressive Grand Alliance with 11,021 votes, and Kenneth Gbagi with 4,639 votes.

Omo-Agege, along with former Minister of State for Education Gbagi of the Social Democratic Party and Pela of the Labour Party, had approached the tribunal to challenge Governor Oborevwori’s victory. 

They argued that Oborevwori and his deputy were not qualified at the time of the election and alleged non-compliance with the Electoral Act and electoral guidelines. 

They also claimed over-voting and contended that Oborevwori did not receive most lawful votes.

However, in its ruling on Friday, the tribunal affirmed Oborevwori and his deputy as duly elected governors. The tribunal described the petition as speculative and stated that it contained unsubstantiated allegations devoid of merit.