The senatorial candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in the Enugu North senatorial district by-election, Bishop Oscar Ossai, has rejected the outcome of the poll held on June 20, citing what he described as widespread electoral irregularities and malpractices.
In a statement, Ossai said he arrived at the decision after consultations with the leadership of the NDC, party agents, election observers, stakeholders, and supporters across the district.
According to him, the electoral process failed to meet the standards of credibility, transparency, and fairness expected in a democratic election.
The NDC candidate alleged that reports received from various parts of the senatorial district indicated multiple infractions, including the non-use of the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, in some polling units and the alleged circumvention of the accreditation process in certain locations.
He also raised concerns over what he described as significant discrepancies between results announced at polling units and figures reflected during the collation process.
Other allegations highlighted in the statement included widespread vote-buying and voter inducement, incidents of violence and intimidation, harassment of voters, and reports of physical injuries linked to election-related disturbances.
Ossai further alleged that there were cases of unlawful thumb-printing and manipulation of ballot papers in violation of established electoral guidelines.
“The cumulative effect of these reports raises serious questions about whether the declared outcome genuinely reflects the freely expressed will of the people of Enugu North Senatorial District,” he said.
While noting that the allegations would require investigation and legal scrutiny, the NDC candidate maintained that, if proven, they could have materially affected both the credibility and outcome of the election.
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He disclosed that his legal team, in collaboration with the party, had commenced the collation of documentary evidence, witness statements, polling unit records, video materials, and other relevant information for presentation before appropriate legal and constitutional authorities.
Ossai also expressed sympathy for voters, party agents, and supporters who allegedly suffered intimidation, harassment, violence, or physical injury during the election.
He called on security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into all reported incidents and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The candidate further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies, election observers, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to undertake a thorough and impartial review of the electoral process.
Despite rejecting the declared outcome, Ossai appealed to his supporters and residents of the district to remain peaceful and law-abiding while pursuing legal avenues to challenge the election.
“Our commitment to democracy must always be demonstrated through respect for the rule of law and our collective determination to defend the sanctity of the ballot,” he stated.
He reiterated his commitment to democratic principles, electoral integrity, and the protection of the constitutional rights of citizens, pledging to continue pursuing justice and fairness through lawful means.
The Enugu North senatorial district by-election was held on June 20, 2026, to fill the vacant Senate seat representing the district.
