By Jane Salihu
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has reaffirmed its support for Mrs. Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte Osayuki as its authentic candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District, saying an error in the publication of candidates’ particulars by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) created unnecessary confusion.
The party said although INEC correctly published Mrs. Epelle-Asemota’s name and personal details, her photograph was replaced with that of another aspirant, while the credentials of a different individual were also attached to her profile.
In a statement issued by its Director of New Media and Strategic Communication, Agada Abuh Theophilus, the NDC described the incident as an unfortunate mix-up and maintained that the party had duly submitted Mrs. Epelle-Asemota’s name, passport photograph and credentials to INEC in line with the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
According to the party, the formal submission of a candidate’s name to INEC is what constitutes sponsorship under the law, insisting that Mrs. Epelle-Asemota remains its lawful candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District.
The NDC blamed the confusion on what it described as errors made during INEC’s publication process, stressing that political parties are responsible only for submitting candidates’ particulars, while the commission is solely responsible for publishing them.
The party further stated that evidence of the successful upload of Mrs. Epelle-Asemota’s nomination documents had been retained, urging the public to disregard any contrary impression created by the publication error.
Reacting to criticisms surrounding the controversy, the NDC condemned what it described as attempts to ethnicise its candidate, warning against campaigns capable of inciting division.
It maintained that Mrs. Epelle-Asemota is qualified to contest the election, citing her 35 years of public service in Edo State, her previous candidature for the House of Representatives under the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, and her leadership roles in the education and labour sectors.
The party also highlighted her Benin heritage and family ties, insisting that attacks on her ethnicity and gender were unwarranted and had no bearing on her qualification or nomination.
Reaffirming its commitment to inclusiveness, the NDC said it deliberately promotes women, youths and persons with special needs, adding that Mrs. Epelle-Asemota emerged through the party’s primary election and was not imposed.
While acknowledging that other aspirants were qualified, the party said disagreements arising from the primaries were being addressed through a national reconciliation committee.
The NDC called on its members to remain united and work towards the party’s collective goals, insisting that Mrs. Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte Osayuki remains its duly nominated candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District.
