NDC candidate disputes Enugu North by-election results

Bishop Oscar Ossai, the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election, has rejected the poll results. He claims there were many irregularities and electoral wrongs during the election.

In a statement on Monday, Ossai said the June 20 by-election was not credible or transparent. He insists the process did not reflect the true choice of voters in the district.

The cleric-turned-politician said his stance is based on a detailed review by the party, its agents, supporters, and other groups involved.

Ossai stated that the NDC does not accept the results announced by the electoral authorities.

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

He claimed the election had many problems. These included not using the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System at some polling units, failing to electronically transmit results in certain areas, and differences between results from polling units and what was announced later.

Ossai also accused political players of vote buying and trying to influence voters. He mentioned cases of voter intimidation, violence, and manipulation of election materials.

The NDC candidate alleged that some temporary staff from the Independent National Electoral Commission were members of the ruling All Progressives Congress. He said this affected the fairness and credibility of the election.

He noted that the reported irregularities raised doubts about the election's integrity and whether the final results truly showed what the voters wanted.

Ossai shared that the party is collecting evidence, including witness statements, polling unit records, video clips, and more, to seek legal action.

"Our legal team and the party have started gathering documentary evidence, witness accounts, polling unit records, video materials and other relevant information for presentation before appropriate legal and constitutional authorities," he stated.

He also raised concerns about reports of harassment, intimidation, and violence faced by some voters, party agents, and supporters during the election.

Ossai called on security agencies to investigate all reported incidents and ensure that anyone found guilty is punished according to the law.

He further urged INEC, civil society groups, election observers, and other stakeholders to review the electoral process. This is to build public trust in future elections.

Even though he rejected the outcome, Ossai urged his supporters and residents to stay calm and law-abiding while they seek justice through the right channels.

He thanked voters for their support during the campaign and the election. He also reaffirmed his commitment to democratic values and electoral fairness.

"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 held on June 20 to fill the vacant seat in the National Assembly. Observers and security agencies monitored the event, with various political parties fielding candidates for the position.