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.

Norway secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Senegal in an international friendly played on Tuesday, with Erling Haaland once again proving decisive. The Manchester City striker scored twice to guide his side past a resilient Senegalese team that pushed the Europeans to the limit.

The match opened with intensity as Senegal pressed high, forcing Norway into defensive errors. Their efforts paid off in the 12th minute when Ismaïla Sarr capitalised on a loose ball to put Senegal ahead. The early goal stunned the Norwegians, who struggled to settle into rhythm.

Norway responded through Haaland, who equalised in the 23rd minute. The forward latched onto a precise through ball from Martin Ødegaard and finished clinically past goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. The equaliser lifted Norway’s confidence, and they began to dictate play.

Haaland struck again in the 39th minute, this time with a powerful header from a corner. His movement inside the box proved too sharp for Senegal’s defenders, giving Norway a 2-1 lead heading into halftime. The double underscored his reputation as one of the most lethal strikers in world football.

ALSO READ

Messi Two goals Sends Argentina Into Knockout Stage

Senegal refused to fold. In the 57th minute, Sadio Mané produced a moment of brilliance, curling a shot from outside the box into the top corner. The equaliser reignited the contest, with both sides trading attacks in search of a winner.

Norway, however, regained control in the 72nd minute. Alexander Sørloth, introduced as a substitute, combined well with Ødegaard before slotting home the decisive third goal. Despite Senegal’s late surge, Norway held firm to secure the win.

Norway’s midfield, anchored by Ødegaard, provided balance and creativity, while Haaland’s finishing made the difference. Senegal’s pace on the wings troubled Norway’s defence, but lapses in concentration cost them at crucial moments.

Norway coach Ståle Solbakken praised his team’s resilience, noting that the match tested their defensive organisation. Senegal’s Aliou Cissé expressed disappointment at the loss but highlighted the positives, especially the attacking link-up between Mané and Sarr.

For Norway, the victory adds momentum ahead of their upcoming European qualifiers. Haaland’s form remains a major boost, with his consistency in front of goal offering confidence to the squad. Senegal, despite the defeat, showed attacking depth and will look to tighten their defensive structure before their next competitive fixtures.