The Supreme Court has upheld the victory of Sheriff Oborevwori, the governor of Delta State.
Justice Inyang Okoro who leads a five-member panel of the apex court, dismissed the appeal filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, challenging the outcome of the governorship election held in the state on March 18, 2023.
The court, in its lead judgment delivered by Justice Okoro, said the appeal lacked merit, adding that the APC and its candidate did not prove that the election was not conducted in substantial compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2023.
The court also said Omo-Agege’s contention about the serial numbers on some result sheets was dismissed, emphasising that even if those sheets were removed, it wouldn’t affect the margin of lead in Oborevwori’s favour.
Justice Okoro said the appellants did not proof as required by law the allegations they have made, leading to the dismissal of the petition without cost.
INEC had announced Oborevwori of the PDP as the winner with 360,234 votes, while Omo-Agege of the APC secured 240,229 votes.
Omo-Agege, who was not satisfied with the judgment, approached the tribunal seeking to nullify the election outcome.
The tribunal and the Court of Appeal had earlier ruled in favour of Oborevwori.