The 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, alleging widespread irregularities and electoral malpractices. Ossai, a cleric-turned-politician, insists the election failed to reflect the genuine will of the people.

Allegations of Electoral Malpractices

In a statement issued on Monday, Ossai described the June 20 by-election as lacking credibility and transparency. He alleged that several polling units did not deploy or properly use the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), while results were not electronically transmitted in some locations.

According to him, discrepancies emerged between figures announced at polling units and those collated at higher levels. He further accused party agents of engaging in vote buying and voter inducement, while citing incidents of intimidation, violence, and manipulation of electoral materials.

Questions on INEC Neutrality

Ossai also raised concerns about the neutrality of electoral officials. He claimed that some ad hoc staff deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a situation he said undermined the credibility of the process.

He argued that such irregularities cast doubt on the integrity of the election and questioned whether the declared results truly represented the choice of the electorate.

Legal Redress in View

The NDC candidate disclosed that his party had begun compiling evidence to challenge the outcome. He said the legal team was gathering witness testimonies, polling unit records, video footage, and other materials to present before appropriate authorities.

ALSO READ

UK Hail Oyebanji On Re-Election, Flags Electoral Concerns

“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,” Ossai stated.

Call for Investigations

Ossai expressed concern over reports of harassment and violence allegedly experienced by voters, party agents, and supporters during the election. He urged security agencies to investigate all incidents and prosecute those found culpable.

He also called on INEC, civil society organisations, and election observers to conduct a thorough review of the electoral process. According to him, such steps are necessary to strengthen public confidence in future elections.

Appeal for Calm

Despite rejecting the outcome, Ossai appealed to his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding. He emphasised that the NDC would pursue justice through peaceful and lawful means.

“We shall continue to pursue justice, fairness and the advancement of our people through peaceful and lawful means,” he said, while thanking voters for their support during the campaign and election period.

The Enugu North by-election was conducted to fill a vacant seat in the National Assembly. While INEC declared a winner, Ossai’s rejection of the result underscores ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s electoral system. Allegations of vote buying, technical lapses, and intimidation continue to raise questions about the credibility of elections.

Observers note that the dispute highlights the need for stronger enforcement of electoral laws, improved deployment of technology, and greater inclusivity in the process. As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the concerns raised in Enugu North may serve as a reminder of the reforms still required to ensure transparency and fairness.

The United Kingdom has congratulated Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on his re-election while raising concerns about irregularities observed during the governorship poll. The British High Commission in Abuja commended the peaceful conduct of the election but highlighted issues of vote trading, technical glitches with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and limited accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Commendation for Peaceful Poll

In a statement issued on Monday, the British High Commission praised voters in Ekiti State for their participation and commitment to democratic rights. It also congratulated Governor Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on his victory, describing the exercise as largely peaceful and orderly.

Observers from the mission noted effective collaboration between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, which contributed to the calm atmosphere at polling units. The High Commission acknowledged that the conduct of officials reflected improvements in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Concerns Over Vote Buying

Despite the commendations, the UK expressed worry over the prevalence of vote trading. Its observers reported instances where party agents interfered with the voting process and engaged in inducements. The statement stressed that vote buying undermines public confidence in elections and erodes the credibility of democratic institutions.

The mission urged Nigerian stakeholders to intensify efforts to curb the practice, warning that unchecked vote trading could weaken trust in future polls.

BVAS Glitches Raise Questions

The British High Commission also flagged technical delays with the BVAS machines at some polling units. According to its observers, the glitches slowed down accreditation and voting, creating frustration among voters.

ALSO READ

Observers Commend Enugu North By-Election

The statement cautioned that persistent technical issues risk discouraging turnout and damaging confidence in electoral systems. It called on INEC to strengthen its technical capacity ahead of the Osun governorship election and the 2027 general elections.

Accessibility Challenges for Persons with Disabilities

Another concern raised was the accessibility of polling units for persons with disabilities. While some centres prioritised vulnerable voters, many locations remained physically inaccessible.

The mission encouraged stakeholders to adopt inclusive practices across all polling units, stressing that equal access is essential for credible elections. It urged INEC and partners to build on areas of progress to ensure that persons with disabilities can participate fully in the democratic process.

Looking ahead, the UK advised Nigeria to apply lessons from the Ekiti poll in preparing for upcoming elections. It emphasised that credibility in future contests will be vital for public confidence, Nigeria’s democratic progress, and its leadership role in Africa.

The statement reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting transparent, inclusive, and accountable electoral processes.

Governor Oyebanji’s re-election, with 319,224 votes across 16 local government areas, reflects the APC’s continued dominance in Ekiti politics. His closest rival, Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party, polled 40,533 votes, while Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress secured 12,872 votes.

While the outcome consolidates Oyebanji’s political standing, the concerns raised by the UK highlight persistent challenges in Nigeria’s electoral system. Addressing vote buying, improving technology, and ensuring inclusivity remain critical for the credibility of future polls.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has presented the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the state to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The move underscores the ruling party’s preparations ahead of the next governorship election in Gombe.

Yahaya, who led a delegation of party leaders, described the candidate as a credible choice capable of consolidating APC’s gains in the state. He emphasised that the presentation was part of efforts to strengthen unity within the party and align with national leadership.

President Tinubu received the delegation and assured them of his support. He urged the candidate to focus on service delivery, stressing that governance must reflect the needs of the people. Tinubu also highlighted the importance of party discipline, noting that APC’s strength lies in its ability to remain cohesive despite political challenges.

The President’s endorsement is seen as a significant boost for the candidate, who now carries the weight of national backing into the campaign.

The presentation reflects APC’s broader strategy of consolidating its hold on key states. Gombe has been a stronghold for the party, and Yahaya’s administration has maintained influence across the region. By introducing the candidate directly to Tinubu, the party signals its intent to maintain continuity and avoid internal divisions.

ALSO READ

Observers Commend Enugu North By-Election

Analysts argue that the move is also symbolic, showing that APC leadership at the state level remains firmly aligned with the national agenda.

Though details of the candidate’s campaign strategy are yet to be unveiled, party insiders describe him as a grassroots politician with strong ties to local communities. His emergence followed consultations among stakeholders, aimed at ensuring broad acceptance within the party.

Observers believe his candidacy will test APC’s ability to balance continuity with fresh ideas, especially in a state where opposition parties are keen to make inroads.

The presentation to Tinubu is expected to energise APC supporters in Gombe. It also sets the tone for what could be a competitive race, as opposition parties prepare to challenge the ruling party’s dominance.

For Yahaya, the move reinforces his role as a key political figure in the North-East. His ability to rally support around the candidate will be crucial in determining APC’s performance in the election.

Governor Yahaya’s presentation of the APC governorship candidate to President Tinubu marks a significant step in the party’s preparations for the Gombe election. With Tinubu’s endorsement, the candidate enters the race with national backing and a clear mandate to sustain APC’s influence in the state.

The development highlights the party’s emphasis on unity, discipline, and continuity, while setting the stage for a contest that will shape Gombe’s political future.