Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, an All Progressives Congress (APC) senator, has expressed his determination to contest the nullification of his election by the National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Asaba, Delta State.
The tribunal’s ruling on Wednesday declared the February 25 National Assembly election for Delta South Senatorial District inconclusive and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a supplementary re-run election in the Warri South Local Government Area within 90 days.
Although Thomas had initially been declared the winner of the election by INEC, the tribunal nullified his victory based on a petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Micheal Diden, citing inconclusiveness.
In response to the tribunal’s judgment, Thomas issued a statement on Thursday stating his intention to appeal the verdict.
“I am aware of the judgment delivered by the National Assembly Petition Tribunal sitting in Asaba, Delta State. Though we are yet to receive the certified true copy of the judgment, preliminary brief suggests sufficient grounds for appeal which will give us victory,” Thomas stated.
He reassured his supporters and APC members in Delta South Senatorial District to remain calm, adding, “Be rest assured that, by God’s grace, the mandate you gave to me at the polls will be defended, and I will remain your Senator now and for the next four years.”