The Supreme Court in a unanimous decision on Tuesday dismissed appeals filed against the election of the Governors of Oyo, Yobe and Delta States.
Justice Walter Onnoghen, who led a seven-man panel of the Supreme Court dismissed the appeals filed by Mr. Rashidi Ladoja (Accord Party), Mr. Maina Waziri (PDP), Mr. Great Ogboru (Labour Party) and Emerhor Ortega (APC) against the elections of Governors Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe and Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta) respectively.
The Supreme Court held that the appeals lacked merit, adding that it is an abuse of court process.
The Judges however deferred reasons for their decisions to February 15 2016.
The three petitioners had challenged the elections of Ajimobi, Geidam and Okowa at the Tribunal and Court of Appeal but lost.
Meanwhile, the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya, has described the Supreme Court judgement as brilliant and straightforward.
He also said Governor Okowa’s victory at the apex court was well deserved as “it is the will of a democratic majority”.
Igbuya in a statement issued in Abuja said Okowa’s victory at the Supreme Court should be seen as “historic”
He described Governor Okowa’s victory in the April 11, 2015 governorship election as a testimony of his recognition and his immense ability and contributions to the state.
“One was not in doubt that you would emerge the winner at the apex court” he said.
The Speaker acknowledged Okowa’s dogged commitment to the development and unity of the state.
He praised the governor for translating his campaign promises into concrete verifiable imperatives.
“Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is providing service oriented leadership to the people. He is directing the energies of the youths to creative and constructive channels. He is making Delta State politically vibrant and ethnically united” he said.
