The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says an error in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) publication of candidates’ particulars for the Edo South Senatorial District does not change the party’s sponsored candidate. In statements issued on Wednesday by the NDC’s Director of New Media and Strategic Communication, Agada Abuh Theophilus, the party says INEC correctly published Mrs. Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte Osayuki’s name and personal details, but mistakenly attached another aspirant’s photograph and credentials. The NDC describes the mix-up as an error allegedly caused by some persons within INEC and says the party submitted Osayuki’s name, passport photograph and credentials in accordance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
The party argues that under the law, only candidates formally sponsored by political parties are recognised, and it therefore maintains that Osayuki remains its valid nominee. It says it has evidence of the successful upload of her details and calls on INEC to explain how the mistake occurred. The NDC also condemns campaigns questioning her candidacy on ethnic grounds and urges disappointed aspirants to avoid actions that could weaken party unity ahead of the election.
