NDC Candidate Rejects Enugu North By-Election Result

Bishop Oscar Ossai, the candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has formally rejected the outcome of the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election held on June 20, citing widespread irregularities and electoral malpractice.

In a statement issued on Monday, Ossai characterized the election as lacking transparency and credibility, asserting that the final results failed to reflect the genuine will of the voters. Following a review of the exercise with party stakeholders and agents, the NDC candidate announced that his party does not recognize the declared winner.

Ossai detailed several alleged infractions, including the failure to deploy or utilize the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in multiple polling units, as well as the inconsistent electronic transmission of results. Furthermore, he claimed that the results announced at the polling units did not correspond with those collated at the ward and local government levels.

The candidate also leveled serious allegations against the electoral umpire, claiming that some ad hoc staff deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he argued compromised the neutrality of the process. Additional concerns were raised regarding reports of vote buying, voter intimidation, and electoral violence throughout the district.

“The electoral process fell short of the standards of credibility, transparency, and fairness expected in a democratic election,” Ossai stated. He confirmed that the NDC is currently compiling a comprehensive dossier of evidence, including witness testimonies, video footage, and official records, to challenge the result through the appropriate legal channels.

Ossai has called on security agencies to launch an investigation into the reported violence and intimidation. While urging INEC and civil society groups to conduct a thorough review of the election to restore public confidence in future polls, he appealed to his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding while the party pursues its case in court.