The Delta State Government has provided clarification regarding the recent ruling by the Appeal Court in Abuja. The government has emphasized that the court’s decision did not result in the overturning of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s election; instead, it directed the tribunal to reexamine the case.
This clarification comes as a response to widespread speculation within the state following the Abuja ruling, where rumors had circulated that the Labour Party’s candidate, Mr. Ken Pela, had been declared the winner by the appeal court.
In an official statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Festus Ahon, in Asaba, the state government reiterated that the Appeal Court’s decision solely mandated a rehearing of the petition and did not lead to a reversal of Governor Oborevwori’s election victory.
The statement said: “We have been inundated by reports from a section of the media that the Appeal Court had declared Mr Ken Pela of the Labour Party as the winner of the 2023 governorship election in Delta State.
“The report is nothing but fake news, as the Appellate Court only ordered the tribunal to hear the case.
“From the results declared by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), it was obvious that the Labour Party did not win the election and therefore couldn’t have won in court.
“Our people came out in large numbers to elect Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and they are happy with him. We therefore urge Party faithful and Deltans to disregard the said reports, as they were a concoction of the Labour Party and their followers.
“We also urge Deltans to remain calm. At the time of the fake news, Governor Oborevwori was busy inspecting various ongoing projects within Asaba and its environs. He is focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the state and would not be distracted by the rumour mills.
“Our lawyers are studying the Appeal Court judgement with a view to taking necessary action,” he said.