In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed Sheriff Oborevwori as the rightful governor of Delta State, Nigeria. This definitive judgment follows the dismissal of an appeal lodged by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Ovie-Omo-Agege, challenging the outcome of the gubernatorial election.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice John Okoro underscored the court’s unanimous decision, emphasizing the failure of Omo-Agege to substantiate claims of electoral irregularities or malpractices. With resounding clarity, the court affirmed that the election of March 18, 2023, which secured 360,234 votes for Mr. Oborevwori, was conducted within the bounds of the law, effectively quashing the claims brought before it.

Mr. Omo-Agege, the closest contender with 240,229 votes, had petitioned for the nullification of the election, citing alleged non-compliance with the Electoral Act and irregularities in the recording and documentation of results. However, these assertions were unequivocally rejected by the apex court, which bolstered the integrity of the electoral process and upheld the legitimacy of Oborevwori’s victory.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court’s ruling solidifies and reinforces the judgments previously handed down by the Delta State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, both of which had dismissed Omo-Agege’s petition on grounds of lacking merit. With this resolute affirmation, Sheriff Oborevwori assumes his rightful place as the lawfully elected governor of Delta, marking a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.

This definitive verdict not only underscores the robustness of Nigeria’s democratic institutions but also affirms the constitutional rights of the electorate to a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.

By decisively settling the contestation surrounding the Delta gubernatorial election, the Supreme Court’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law serves as a resounding affirmation of the democratic ideals that underpin the Nigerian nation.

As the judiciary fulfills its pivotal role in safeguarding democratic norms and principles, the ramifications of this ruling resonate far beyond Delta State, casting a profound impact on the broader tapestry of Nigerian governance and democratic ethos.