Enugu By-election: NDC Candidate Rejects Result, Alleges Malpractice

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 irregularities and electoral malpractices.

Naija News reports that Ossai, in a statement issued on Monday, June 22, said the June 20 by-election lacked credibility and transparency, insisting that the exercise did not reflect the genuine wishes of voters in the senatorial district.

The cleric-turned-politician said the party arrived at its position after reviewing the conduct of the election with its agents, supporters and other stakeholders.

According to him, the NDC does not recognise the result declared by the electoral authorities.

Ossai said the election fell short of acceptable democratic standards, alleging that the process was marred by infractions capable of undermining public confidence in the outcome.

“The electoral process fell short of the standards of credibility, transparency and fairness expected in a democratic election,” he said.

He alleged that the election was characterised by the non-deployment or non-use of the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System in some polling units, failure to electronically transmit results in certain locations and discrepancies between results announced at polling units and figures collated at higher levels.

Ossai also accused some political actors of vote buying and voter inducement, while alleging incidents of voter intimidation, violence and manipulation of electoral materials.

The NDC candidate further alleged that some ad hoc staff deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission were members of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

He said such development, if confirmed, undermined the neutrality and credibility of the electoral process.

According to him, the alleged irregularities raised serious questions about the integrity of the election and whether the declared result truly represented the will of the electorate.

Ossai disclosed that the party had begun compiling evidence with a view to seeking legal redress through appropriate constitutional channels.

“Our legal team and the party have commenced the collation of documentary evidence, witness accounts, polling unit records, video materials and other relevant information for presentation before appropriate legal and constitutional authorities,” he stated.

He added that the party would not abandon its demand for justice, fairness and electoral accountability.

Ossai also expressed concern over reports of harassment, intimidation and violence allegedly experienced by voters, party agents and supporters during the exercise.

He called on security agencies to investigate all reported incidents and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The NDC candidate also urged INEC, civil society organisations, election observers and other stakeholders to conduct a thorough review of the electoral process in order to strengthen public confidence in future elections.

Despite rejecting the outcome of the poll, Ossai appealed to his supporters and residents of Enugu North Senatorial District to remain calm and law-abiding while the party explores lawful channels.

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

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

Naija News reports that the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election was conducted on June 20 to fill the vacant seat in the National Assembly. The exercise was monitored by election observers and security agencies, with political parties fielding candidates for the position.