Enugu By-Election Erupts In Controversy As NDC Candidate Rejects Outcome, Cries Foul

The candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election, Bishop Oscar Ossai, has rejected the outcome of the poll, alleging widespread electoral irregularities and malpractice.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement released on Monday, June 22, Ossai described the June 20 by-election as lacking credibility, transparency and fairness, arguing that the process failed to reflect the true wishes of the electorate in the district.

The cleric-turned-politician said the party reached its decision after conducting a comprehensive review of the election alongside its agents, supporters and key stakeholders.

According to him, the NDC does not recognise the result announced by the electoral authorities, maintaining that the conduct of the poll fell below acceptable democratic standards.

“The electoral process failed to meet the standards of credibility, transparency and fairness required in a democratic election,” Ossai stated.

He alleged that several irregularities marred the exercise, including the non-deployment or non-utilisation of the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in some polling units, failure to electronically transmit results in certain areas and inconsistencies between results announced at polling units and those collated at higher levels.

Ossai further accused some political actors of engaging in vote buying and voter inducement. He also alleged incidents of voter intimidation, violence and manipulation of electoral materials during the election.

The NDC candidate claimed that some ad hoc personnel engaged by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a development he said could compromise the neutrality and integrity of the electoral process if proven.

According to him, the alleged infractions cast doubt on the credibility of the election and whether the declared outcome genuinely reflected the will of the people.

Ossai disclosed that the party had commenced the process of gathering evidence to challenge the outcome through legal and constitutional channels.

“Our legal team has begun compiling documentary evidence, witness testimonies, polling unit records, video footage and other relevant materials for presentation before the appropriate legal and constitutional authorities,” he said.

He stressed that the party remains committed to pursuing justice, fairness and accountability in the electoral process.

The NDC candidate also expressed concern over reports of harassment, intimidation and violence allegedly experienced by voters, party agents and supporters during the election. He called on security agencies to investigate the incidents and ensure that anyone found culpable faces prosecution.

In addition, Ossai urged INEC, election observers, civil society groups and other stakeholders to conduct a thorough review of the electoral process to strengthen public trust in future elections.

Despite rejecting the election result, he appealed to his supporters and residents of the Enugu North Senatorial District to remain peaceful and law-abiding while the party pursues lawful avenues for redress.

He also thanked voters for their support throughout the campaign and election period, reaffirming his commitment to democratic values and electoral integrity.

“We will continue to pursue justice, fairness and the development of our people through peaceful and lawful means,” he said.

The Enugu North Senatorial District by-election was held on June 20 to fill a vacant seat in the National Assembly. The election was monitored by security agencies and election observers, with candidates from various political parties contesting for the position.