Enugu North by-election: NDC candidate rejects result, alleges irregularities

Bishop Oscar Ossai, the candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election, has declared his rejection of the poll's outcome. Ossai cited pervasive irregularities and electoral malpractices as reasons for his stance, stating that the June 20 by-election lacked credibility and transparency and did not reflect the genuine choice of the voters.

Following a comprehensive review by the party, its agents, and supporters, the NDC announced it does not recognize the results declared by the electoral authorities. Ossai detailed several infractions, including the failure to deploy or use the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System in some polling units, issues with electronic result transmission, and inconsistencies between polling unit announcements and collated figures. He also accused political actors of vote buying, voter inducement, intimidation, violence, and manipulation of electoral materials.

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

Further allegations suggest that some ad hoc staff appointed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, which Ossai claims compromised the neutrality of the electoral process. These reported irregularities, he stated, cast doubt on the election's integrity and whether the final results truly represent the electorate's wishes.

The NDC is actively gathering evidence, including witness testimonies, polling unit records, and video footage, to pursue legal action. Ossai also expressed concern over reported harassment and violence against voters and party agents, urging security agencies to investigate and prosecute those found culpable. The party intends to present its findings before the appropriate legal and constitutional authorities.

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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.