The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled a definitive hearing for July 6 regarding the dispute over the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for Delta South. The legal challenge involves Prince Micheal Diden, the former chairman of DESOPADEC, who is contesting the claim that Senator Joel Onowakpo won the party’s primary election.
During the recent session, Bankole Joel Akomolafe, counsel for Diden, noted that the defense had only just provided their response. Despite being filed on June 24, the documents were not served promptly. Justice Mohammed Garba Umar granted a brief adjournment to ensure all parties are prepared, ordering that all necessary legal paperwork be exchanged before the upcoming date. The hearing will specifically address the suit identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/1094/2026.
In his lawsuit, Diden argues that he is the legitimate winner of the May 18, 2026, direct primary, alleging that he secured 96,893 votes compared to Onowakpo’s 31,918. He accuses the senator of manipulating the process and circulating fraudulent results through the media, contrary to the party’s directive that results be officially collated in Abuja. Diden is seeking a court declaration naming him the official APC candidate for the 2027 general election and an order directing INEC to recognize his candidacy.
