The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election, Bishop Oscar Ossai, has rejected the result declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the poll as heavily compromised and lacking credibility.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, Ossai said the election held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, fell far short of acceptable democratic standards and did not reflect the true will of the voters in the district. He alleged multiple irregularities including non-deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System in several polling units, failure to transmit results electronically in real time, widespread vote buying, voter intimidation, violence, and manipulation of electoral materials. Ossai claimed some INEC ad hoc staff were compromised and openly worked in favour of the ruling party. “We reject the so-called result in its entirety. It does not represent the wishes of the good people of Enugu North Senatorial District,” Ossai stated.
The cleric-turned-politician said the NDC has commenced compilation of evidence, including witness statements, video recordings, and polling unit results, to challenge the outcome at the election tribunal. He called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate reported cases of harassment and electoral violence. Ossai appealed to his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding while the party pursues justice through legal channels. He thanked voters who turned out despite the challenges and reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to democratic principles and good governance.
The by-election was conducted to fill the vacancy created by the death of former Senator Chuka Utazi. INEC had declared the PDP candidate as the winner. The rejection adds to ongoing concerns about the transparency and credibility of off-cycle elections in Nigeria, especially in states with high political stakes. Political observers say the outcome could set the tone for future contests in the South-East region. The NDC’s decision to challenge the result is expected to trigger a legal battle that may further test the electoral justice system.
This latest controversy highlights persistent issues in Nigeria’s electoral process, including logistical failures, alleged complicity of officials, and the influence of money and violence during polls. Enugu North, a traditional PDP stronghold, saw intense campaigning, with the NDC attempting to make inroads in the zone. The swift rejection by Ossai signals the party’s determination to contest perceived injustices and could galvanise opposition forces in the South-East ahead of larger elections.
As the matter heads to the tribunal, focus will shift to the strength of evidence presented by the NDC and INEC’s defence of its processes. Electoral reform advocates have used the incident to renew calls for comprehensive changes to the system, including better technology deployment and stricter penalties for electoral offences. The by-election dispute is likely to dominate political discourse in Enugu in the coming weeks, with implications for party dynamics and voter confidence in the region.
