Delta Central Senatorial Election: Tribunal Orders Supplementary Poll as Ede Dafinone Vows to Appeal.
Asaba, Delta State – The National Assembly Petition Tribunal, led by Justice W. I. Kpochi, has delivered a significant verdict in the Delta Central Senatorial Election, resulting in a nullification of the return made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on February 25, 2023.
While dismissing some of the prayers filed by the senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ighoyota Amori, for lack of merit, the tribunal ordered a supplementary election within 90 days in only 23 polling units out of the 2,180 units in the district.
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The tribunal’s decision came in response to a petition marked EPT/DT/Sen/2023 filed by Chief Ighoyota Amori. While some of Amori’s prayers were rejected, the tribunal held that his request to declare Senator Ede Dafinone’s victory null, void, and of no consequence, as well as the alternative prayer to declare himself the winner of the senatorial election, could not be granted for lack of merit. The polling units where a rerun has been declared are located in Sapele, Okpe, Udu, and Ughelli North Local Government Areas.
Ede Dafinone breaks silence
In response to the tribunal’s decision, Senator Ede Dafinone issued a statement expressing his resolve to appeal the judgment. He called on his supporters and party members to remain calm as he takes the legal route to reclaim his mandate.
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The National Assembly Petition Tribunal sitting at Asaba today nullified my return as the winner of the Delta Central Senatorial Election of 25 February 2023 and ordered a supplementary election within 90 days in only 23 polling units, out of the 2,180 units in the district,” Senator Dafinone stated.
While I respect the ruling of the tribunal, I do not accept its decision. I have therefore directed my legal team to appeal the judgment immediately. Like we promised during our campaign to defend our votes, we shall fulfill our promise by defending the mandate which the people of Delta Central freely gave to us.”
Senator Dafinone remained optimistic about his position despite the setback, emphasizing that his lead over his closest opponent remained insurmountable, even after the affected units were canceled.
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“As a consequence, we are not perturbed by today’s momentary setback, which we shall surely overcome,” he declared. “We, therefore, urge our party faithful, supporters, and the great people of Delta Central to remain calm and steadfast because this also shall end in Praise!”
The decision of the tribunal has set the stage for further legal proceedings as both parties gear up for the supplementary election, which will determine the senator representing Delta Central in the National Assembly.
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