The candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election, Bishop Oscar Ossai, has rejected the outcome of the poll, alleging widespread irregularities and electoral malpractices during the exercise.
Ossai, in a statement issued on Monday, described the June 20 by-election as lacking credibility and transparency, insisting that the process failed to reflect the genuine choice of voters in the senatorial district.
The cleric-turned-politician said his position followed what he described as a comprehensive review of the conduct of the election by the party, its agents, supporters and other stakeholders.
According to him, the NDC does not recognise the result declared by the electoral authorities.
“The electoral process fell short of the standards of credibility, transparency and fairness expected in a democratic election,” he said.
Ossai alleged that the election was characterised by several infractions, including 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.
He also accused political actors of engaging in vote buying and voter inducement, while alleging incidents of voter intimidation, violence and manipulation of electoral materials.
The NDC candidate further claimed that some ad hoc staff deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission were members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, a situation he said undermined the neutrality and credibility of the electoral process.
According to him, the reported irregularities cast doubt on the integrity of the election and whether the final outcome truly reflected the wishes of the electorate.
He disclosed that the party had begun compiling evidence, including witness testimonies, polling unit records, video footage and other materials, with a view to pursuing legal redress.
“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.
Ossai also expressed concern over reports of harassment, intimidation and violence allegedly experienced by some voters, party agents and supporters during the election.
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 further urged INEC, civil society organisations, election observers and other stakeholders to conduct a thorough review of the electoral process to strengthen public confidence in future elections.
Despite rejecting the outcome of the poll, Ossai appealed to his supporters and residents of the district to remain calm and law-abiding while lawful channels are explored.
He thanked voters for their support during the campaign and election period and reaffirmed 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.
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 to contest for the position.
