The Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has vowed to get his victory back and set to appeal the judgement of the National Assembly Petition Tribunal which declared the election that produced him as winner inconclusive.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 Onowakpo said he would challenge the ruling at the Appeal tribunal to protect his victory.
A three-man panel headed by Justice Cathrine Ogunsola had declared the election which produced Senator Joel Thomas-Onowakpo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the senator representing Delta South Senatorial District as inconclusive.
The tribunal also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a supplementary election in Warri South LGA of Delta South senatorial district within 90 days.
The tribunal gave the ruling on Wednesday September 6, 2023 while delivering judgement in the case filed by Mr. Michael Diden alias Ejele of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against Senator Onowakpo of the APC in Asaba, Delta State.
In a statement personally signed by Onowakpo, the APC senator called on the people of Delta South to remain calm, stressing that he would defend the mandate freely given to him by the electorate of Delta South senatorial district.
According to him, “I am aware of the judgement delivered by the National Assembly Petition Tribunal sitting in Asaba, Delta State..
“Though we are yet to receive the certified true copy of the judgement, preliminary brief suggested sufficient grounds for appeal which will give us victory.
“As I consult the leadership of our party and my legal team, be rest assured that, we will appeal this judgement and we will do everything within our God given grace to defend our mandate.
“However, I wish to urge my teeming supporters and APC faithful in Delta South Senatorial District to remain calm and show brotherly love to one another.
“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.”
