ASABA/Nigeria: In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decisive judgment against Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi’s appeal challenging the outcome of the March 18, 2023 Governorship election, the Delta State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has wholeheartedly congratulated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on his hard-earned victory. The statement issued by Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, State Publicity Secretary of the Delta State PDP, emphasizes unity among political leaders for the betterment of the state.
“The Delta State PDP family heartily congratulates our dear Governor and leader, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori over his latest legal victory at the Supreme Court, which dismissed the appeal filed by Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, challenging our hard-earned and well-deserved victory at the March 18, 2023 Governorship election,” the statement by Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza read.
The Supreme Court’s unanimous judgment, delivered by Justice John Inyang Okoro, affirmed the decisions of the lower courts, including the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, categorizing Gbagi’s appeal as “a complete waste of time, had become spent, academic, and lacking usefulness.” The court noted that the 180-day period for hearing the petition had expired, and there was no existing Tribunal to consider the appeal since the Tribunal had been dissolved.
The Delta State PDP statement continued: “For the avoidance of doubt and to put the matter in proper perspective, the Supreme Court Judgment is a final affirmation of the triumph of PDP and Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori in the Governorship election, following the declaration by the Tribunal and confirmation by the Appeal Court, dismissing the petition and appeal filed by Gbagi, the Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), challenging the refusal of the Trial Court to admit fresh evidence not pleaded or front-loaded, during the trial.”
Gbagi’s legal challenge was rooted in his claim that he had discovered new evidence to support his petition. However, the Tribunal had previously dismissed his application to reopen the case, deeming it “incompetent, belated, and strange” as the document he sought to introduce had not been included in his initial petition.
The Delta State PDP expressed its appreciation for Gbagi’s tenacity and commitment to pursuing the litigation to its conclusive end.
Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza stated, “We commend the tenacity and conviction of Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi to pursue his litigation to the conclusive end, especially since it has also proven the declaration of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as the duly elected Governor of Delta State beyond all doubts.”
Furthermore, the party urged Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi to accept the Supreme Court’s judgment and return to his esteemed status as a prominent Delta Statesman and patriot. The party emphasized the importance of collaboration with Governor Oborevwori for the benefit of Delta State and its residents.
The Supreme Court’s decision brings an end to a legal battle that has captivated the attention of Delta State residents and political observers and opens the door to a new phase of governance in the state. Both the PDP and Governor Oborevwori extend their congratulations to the Governor and call for unity and cooperation among political leaders, signaling their commitment to the welfare and progress of Delta State and its people. As Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza stated, “Once again, Congratulations Your Excellency and our leader, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.”
