Sacked APC Senator, Joel-Onowakpo Vows To Challenge Tribunal Verdict

An All Progressives Congress (APC) senator, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has expressed his determination to contest the nullification of his election by the National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Asaba, Delta State.

In a recent ruling, the tribunal declared the February 25 National Assembly election for Delta South Senatorial District inconclusive. It ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a supplementary re-run election within 90 days in the Warri South Local Government Area of the state.

Joel-Onowakpo Thomas had initially been declared the winner of the election by INEC. However, in response to a petition filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Micheal Diden, the tribunal invalidated Thomas’ victory and declared the election inconclusive.

In response to the tribunal’s verdict, Thomas released a statement on Thursday, stating his intention to appeal the decision. He mentioned that while he awaits the certified true copy of the judgement, a preliminary review of the case suggests that there are strong grounds for an appeal that would ultimately lead to his victory.

He reassured his supporters and fellow APC members in Delta South Senatorial District to remain calm, emphasizing that he is committed to defending the mandate they gave him at the polls.

“Be rest assured that, by God’s grace, the mandate you gave to me at the polls will be defended, and I will remain your Senator now and for the next four years,” he affirmed.

Share on:  Whatsapp  Twitter  Facebook