The legal battle over the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 senatorial ticket for Delta South Senatorial District has been adjourned again, this time to July 8, 2026, by the Federal High Court in Abuja, due to the continued absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The case, filed by Prince Michael Diden, a former Chairman of DESOPADEC, challenges the declaration of Senator Joel Onowakpo as the winner of the APC’s direct primary election held on May 18, 2026. Diden claims he secured the highest number of votes—96,893 compared to Onowakpo’s 31,918—and is seeking a court declaration that he is the rightful candidate for the 2027 general election.
Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the hearing after noting INEC’s failure to appear in court despite being served with the originating summons. This marks the third time INEC has been absent in the case, and the commission has yet to file any defense or response. Lead counsel for Diden, Bankole Joel Akomolafe, SAN, informed the court that he had filed a reply to the defenses submitted by Onowakpo and the APC, and that he had served it on the defendants. He emphasized the critical role INEC plays in the matter and agreed to the adjournment to allow the electoral body time to appear and present its position.
During the proceedings, Akomolafe also announced that two video recordings of the primary election would be played in open court to assist the judge in arriving at a fair and informed decision. The videos are expected to show alleged irregularities and the purported false declaration of results by Onowakpo and his supporters. Diden’s legal team argues that the APC’s National Working Committee had directed that results be collated and announced only after all results were submitted in Abuja, but Onowakpo prematurely declared himself winner in media interviews and viral videos.
The plaintiff further alleges that Onowakpo and his allies fabricated results and misled the public, despite the presence of APC officials monitoring the election. Diden claims that local leaders, elders, youths, and party members in the senatorial district have formally petitioned the APC national headquarters to reject Onowakpo’s declaration. He also submitted a complaint to the APC National Chairman regarding the alleged manipulation. Diden is seeking court orders to declare him the winner, direct the APC to forward his name to INEC, and for INEC to accept him as the party’s candidate for the 2027 election.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the APC’s internal democracy and the credibility of its primary process in Delta State. As the 2027 elections draw closer, the court’s eventual decision will determine who represents the party in the Delta South Senatorial District.
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