The aftermath of the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election has taken a dramatic turn, as the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Bishop Oscar Ossai, has rejected the outcome of the poll, describing it as deeply flawed and lacking credibility.
The by-election, held on June 20 to fill a vacant seat in the National Assembly, has since become the subject of heated political debate following allegations of widespread irregularities.
‘Election Lacked Transparency’ – Ossai Alleges Irregularities
In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, June 22, Ossai insisted that the exercise failed to meet basic democratic standards, claiming it did not reflect the true will of voters across the senatorial district.
According to him, the party’s position was reached after a comprehensive review of the election process involving agents, supporters, and other stakeholders who monitored the exercise across various polling units.
He maintained that the NDC could not accept the outcome, arguing that the process was compromised from the start.
“The electoral process fell short of the standards of credibility, transparency and fairness expected in a democratic election,” he stated.
Allegations of Electoral Breaches and Violence
Ossai went further to allege a series of electoral infractions, including inconsistent use of the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in some polling units and alleged failure to transmit results electronically in certain areas.
He also raised concerns over discrepancies between results announced at polling units and figures later collated at higher levels.
Beyond technical issues, the NDC candidate accused some political actors of engaging in vote buying, voter intimidation, and manipulation of electoral materials during the exercise.
He further alleged that some ad hoc staff deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had links to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a situation he said raised questions about neutrality in the process.
Legal Action Looms As NDC Gathers Evidence
Ossai disclosed that the party has begun compiling documentary and video evidence, alongside witness accounts, with a view to challenging the outcome through legal and 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 said.
He added that the party remains committed to pursuing what it described as electoral justice, while also calling for investigations into alleged incidents of violence and voter intimidation reported during the election.
Call for Calm Amid Political Tension
Despite rejecting the declared result, the NDC candidate urged his supporters and residents of Enugu North Senatorial District to remain peaceful and law-abiding while the party pursues legal redress.
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He also called on security agencies to investigate all reported cases of harassment and electoral violence, insisting that those found culpable should be held accountable under the law.
Ossai thanked his supporters for their commitment during the campaign and reaffirmed his dedication to democratic values, stressing that the pursuit of justice would continue through lawful means.
The by-election, which drew participation from multiple political parties, was observed by election monitors and security agencies, but has now become the centre of growing political tension in the state.