By Our Correspondent

The senatorial candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election, Bishop Oscar Ossai, has rejected the outcome of the poll conducted on June 20, 2026, describing the exercise as fundamentally flawed and incapable of reflecting the true will of the electorate.

In a statement issued on Monday, Ossai declared that after a comprehensive assessment of the conduct of the election, he had concluded that no valid by-election took place in the senatorial district.

According to him, the position reflects the views of the NDC leadership, party agents, election observers, stakeholders and supporters across the district.

“The electoral process fell short of the standards of credibility, transparency and fairness expected in a democratic election,” he stated, adding that he completely rejected the result announced by the electoral authorities.

The NDC candidate alleged that the election was marred by widespread irregularities and electoral malpractices across the district. He cited the alleged non-use of the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in many polling units, failure to electronically transmit results where functional BVAS devices were available, and discrepancies between results announced at polling units and figures recorded during collation.

Ossai also raised concerns over alleged vote buying and voter inducement, reports of intimidation and violence against voters, and the unlawful diversion and manipulation of ballot papers and result sheets.

He further alleged that a significant number of ad-hoc personnel deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were card-carrying members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a development he said compromised the neutrality of the electoral process.

The cleric-turned-politician argued that the cumulative effect of the reported incidents had cast serious doubt on the credibility of the election and whether the declared outcome truly reflected the wishes of voters in Enugu North Senatorial District.

He disclosed that his legal team and the NDC had commenced the collation of documentary evidence, witness accounts, polling unit records, video materials and other relevant information for presentation before appropriate legal and constitutional authorities.

Ossai also expressed sympathy to voters, party agents and supporters who allegedly suffered intimidation, harassment or violence during the election.

He called on security agencies to investigate all reported incidents and ensure that those found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The NDC candidate further urged INEC, security agencies, election observers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to undertake a thorough and impartial review of the electoral process in order to safeguard the integrity of future elections and protect the democratic rights of citizens.

Despite his grievances, Ossai appealed to his supporters and residents of Enugu North Senatorial District to remain peaceful and law-abiding while legal processes are pursued.

He thanked voters for their support and confidence throughout the campaign and election period, assuring them of his continued commitment to democratic ideals, electoral integrity and the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights.

“We shall continue to pursue justice, fairness and the advancement of our people through peaceful and lawful means,” he said.