NDC Demands Explanation Over INEC's Edo South Senatorial Candidate Mix-Up

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has protested the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) publication of what it described as incorrect details for its Edo South Senatorial candidate in the 2027 general election.

The party said INEC correctly listed the name of its candidate, Mrs. Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte Osayuki, but mistakenly published another aspirant's photograph and different credentials. The NDC insisted it had properly submitted her name, passport photograph and credentials in line with electoral requirements.

The party described the mix-up as an "embarrassing error" and called on INEC to explain how the discrepancy occurred. It maintained that Mrs. Epelle-Asemota remains its legally nominated candidate, citing the Constitution and the Electoral Act, which recognise candidates formally sponsored and submitted by their political parties.

The NDC also said it had documentary evidence showing the successful upload of her particulars to the commission's portal. The NDC condemned what it called a campaign of misinformation and ethnic profiling against Mrs. Epelle-Asemota, describing her as a Nigerian of Benin ancestry with longstanding family, professional and political ties to Edo State.

It highlighted her 35-year public service career, previous political experience and emergence through the party's primary election as evidence of her qualifications. The party also announced the establishment of a national reconciliation committee to address grievances from its primaries and urged members to prioritise party unity ahead of the 2027 elections.