The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has maintained that an error made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the publication of candidates’ particulars does not affect the party’s candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District.
The party made this known on Wednesday in a statement issued by its Director of New Media and Strategic Communication, Agada Abuh Theophilus.
According to the party, Mrs. Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte Osayuki remains its validly nominated candidate for the senatorial election despite the mistake in INEC’s publication. The NDC explained that while the electoral commission correctly listed her name and personal information, it mistakenly published the photograph and credentials of another aspirant.
The party said it followed all legal procedures required for the nomination process by submitting the correct name, passport photograph and supporting documents to INEC. It maintained that the official sponsorship of a candidate is determined by the details submitted by a political party to the electoral commission, adding that this requirement was fully met in the case of Mrs. Epelle-Asemota.
The NDC stated that it possesses evidence showing the successful upload of its candidate’s information and insisted that the publication of candidates’ particulars is solely the responsibility of INEC. It therefore called on the commission to explain how the mix-up occurred and take the necessary steps to address the error.
The party also condemned what it described as attempts by some individuals to challenge the candidacy of Mrs. Epelle-Asemota based on her ethnic background. It said she is a Nigerian citizen of Benin ancestry who has lived and worked in Benin for many years, insisting that there is no basis for questioning her eligibility.
While acknowledging that some aspirants were unhappy with the outcome of the party’s primary election, the NDC urged them to remain committed to the party and avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary divisions ahead of the election.
The party reaffirmed that Mrs. Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte Osayuki remains its officially recognised candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District and expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved through the appropriate processes.