Edo South Senatorial Chaos: INEC Faces Blame for Candidate Mix-Up

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has vehemently rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) erroneous publication of the wrong photograph and credentials for its Edo South Senatorial candidate for the 2027 general election. In a statement released on Wednesday by Agada Abuh Theophilus, the party’s Director of New Media and Strategic Communication, the NDC firmly asserted that Mrs. Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte Osayuki remains their legitimately nominated candidate, despite the commission’s mistake.

The NDC clarified that while INEC correctly published Mrs. Epelle-Asemota’s name, it inexplicably superimposed another aspirant’s photograph and attached the credentials of a different individual. The party condemned this incident as an “embarrassing error,” suggesting that it was a deliberate act orchestrated by “mischievous elements within the INEC.” The statement emphasized that the NDC had fully complied with all constitutional and electoral requirements, including the formal submission of Mrs. Epelle-Asemota’s name, passport photograph, and credentials to the electoral commission.

Reaffirming the legal standing of their candidate, the NDC cited the Constitution and the Electoral Act, stating that no individual can be a candidate without party sponsorship, which is effected through the formal submission of the candidate’s name to INEC—a process duly followed by the NDC. Therefore, the party stressed that, legally, Mrs. Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte Osayuki is indisputably their candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District. To substantiate its claims, the NDC provided evidence of the successful upload of Mrs. Epelle-Asemota’s particulars, underscoring that the responsibility for accurately publishing candidates’ details lies solely with INEC. The party subsequently called upon the Commission to provide a clear explanation for the mix-up.

Furthermore, the NDC strongly denounced what it identified as an orchestrated campaign of misinformation, hate speech, and ethnic profiling targeting their candidate. Addressing concerns about her eligibility, the party asserted that Mrs. Epelle-Asemota is a Nigerian citizen of Benin ancestry, having resided and worked in Benin throughout her life. The statement highlighted her strong ties to the region, noting that her mother is from Benin, she is married into the prominent Asemota family, and is the wife of retired Major-General Steve Asemota, a former General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army. Additionally, she is identified as the younger sister of the Iyase of Benin and has children of Benin heritage.

Detailing her extensive political and professional background, the NDC stated that Mrs. Epelle-Asemota previously contested the Ovia Federal Constituency seat on the Labour Party platform during the 2023 general election, alleging that she won but was “manipulated and rigged out.” Her professional career includes 35 years in the Edo State public service, where she held several leadership positions, such as Chairman of the Principals’ Association of Edo State, the first female Chairperson of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) in Edo State and nationally, and Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state. The party also described her as a prominent figure in the Obidient Movement, affirming that her emergence aligns with the NDC’s commitment to promoting women, youths, and persons with special needs.

The statement confirmed that Mrs. Epelle-Asemota emerged as the candidate through the party’s primary election, and despite external pressure, the NDC resolutely declined to substitute her candidature. While acknowledging that other qualified aspirants contested the ticket and remain valuable members of the NDC, the party cautioned against actions that could undermine its unity over the primary outcomes. It disclosed that a national reconciliation committee has been established to address grievances arising from the primary elections. The NDC appealed to aggrieved members, some of whom successfully sponsored other candidates in the primaries, to prioritize the collective interest of the party over personal ambitions. The party warned against internal discord, stating that