The candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the recently concluded Enugu North Senatorial District by-election, Bishop Oscar Ossai, has rejected the outcome of the poll, citing what he described as widespread irregularities and electoral misconduct that undermined the credibility of the exercise.
In a statement issued on Monday, Ossai maintained that the June 20 by-election failed to meet the standards of transparency, fairness and accountability expected in a democratic process. He argued that the election did not reflect the true will of voters across the senatorial district.
According to the cleric-turned-politician, the NDC arrived at its decision after conducting a thorough review of reports from party agents, supporters, election monitors and other stakeholders who participated in the electoral process.
“The electoral process fell short of the standards of credibility, transparency and fairness expected in a democratic election,” Ossai stated.
He insisted that the NDC does not recognise the result declared by electoral authorities, alleging that several serious infractions were recorded during the exercise.
Among the concerns raised by the candidate were claims that the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was either not deployed or not properly utilised in some polling units. He also alleged that election results were not electronically transmitted in certain locations, contrary to established electoral guidelines.
Ossai further claimed there were discrepancies between results announced at polling units and figures eventually collated at higher levels of the electoral process.
The NDC candidate also accused political actors of engaging in vote buying and voter inducement, while alleging incidents of voter intimidation, violence and the manipulation of electoral materials during the election.
According to him, some of the ad hoc staff deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were allegedly affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a situation he said compromised the neutrality of the exercise and raised questions about the integrity of the election.
He argued that the cumulative effect of the alleged irregularities casts serious doubt on whether the final outcome truly reflected the wishes of the electorate.
Ossai disclosed that the party has commenced the process of gathering evidence to challenge the outcome through legal 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 said.
The candidate also expressed concern over reports that some voters, party agents and supporters were subjected to harassment, intimidation and violence during the poll.
He called on security agencies to investigate all reported incidents and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
In addition, Ossai urged INEC, civil society organisations, election observers and other relevant stakeholders to undertake a comprehensive review of the election in order to strengthen public confidence in future electoral exercises.
Despite his rejection of the result, the NDC candidate appealed to his supporters and residents of the district to remain peaceful and law-abiding while the party pursues legal remedies.
He thanked voters for their support throughout the campaign and election period and reiterated 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 stated.
The Enugu North Senatorial District by-election was conducted on June 20 to fill a vacant seat in the National Assembly. The election attracted candidates from several political parties and was monitored by security agencies and election observers.
