The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled July 6, 2026, for the definite hearing of a high-stakes legal battle over the authentic winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Delta South Senatorial District.
The suit pits Prince Michael Diden, former Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), against Senator Joel Onowakpo, the current Senator representing Delta South.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, counsel to Prince Diden, Bankole Joel Akomolafe, SAN, informed the court of his readiness to proceed with the hearing.
He, however, raised concerns that the statement of defence filed by Senator Onowakpo’s counsel, Barrister Habeed Lawal, was only recently served on him, despite being filed on June 24. He requested a short adjournment to file his reply.
Presiding Judge, Justice Mohammed Garba Umar, intervened and, with the consensus of all parties, adjourned the matter to July 6 for definite hearing.
The judge directed that all necessary
