INEC Publication Error Does Not Change Our Candidate – NDC

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has reaffirmed that Mrs. Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte Osayuki remains its duly sponsored candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District, despite an error in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) publication of candidates’ particulars.

In a statement issued Wednesday by the party’s Director of New Media and Strategic Communication, Agada Abuh Theophilus, the NDC explained that while INEC correctly published Mrs. Epelle-Asemota’s name and personal details, the commission mistakenly attached another aspirant’s photograph and credentials.

“The mix-up was an embarrassing error caused by some persons within INEC. We properly submitted Mrs. Epelle-Asemota’s name, passport photograph and credentials to the commission in line with the Constitution and the Electoral Act,” the party said.

The NDC stressed that under the law, only candidates formally sponsored by a political party can be recognised, and in this case, Mrs. Epelle-Asemota remains its valid nominee. The party said it had attached evidence of the successful upload of her details and called on INEC to explain how the error occurred.

The statement also condemned what it described as an organised campaign questioning Mrs. Epelle-Asemota’s candidacy on ethnic grounds, clarifying that she is a Nigerian citizen of Benin ancestry who has lived and worked in Benin all her life.

Acknowledging that some aspirants were disappointed with the outcome of the primaries, the NDC urged them not to take actions that could weaken the party’s unity ahead of the elections.

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