The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has reaffirmed that Mrs. Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte Osayuki remains its duly nominated candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District, alleging that an error by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led to the publication of incorrect details alongside her name.
In a statement signed by the party’s Director of New Media and Strategic Communication, Agada Abuh Theophilus, the NDC said that while INEC correctly published Mrs. Epelle-Asemota’s name in the list of candidates, it mistakenly attached the photograph and academic credentials of another aspirant.
The party described the incident as an “embarrassing mix-up,” blaming what it called “mischievous elements” within INEC for the error. It maintained that the name formally submitted to the electoral commission during the candidate nomination process was that of Mrs. Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte Osayuki, insisting that the successful upload of her particulars constituted the lawful act of sponsorship.
According to the NDC, the Constitution and the Electoral Act make it clear that only candidates formally sponsored and submitted by a political party can be recognised for an election. It therefore stressed that, in the eyes of the law, Mrs. Epelle-Asemota remains the party’s authentic candidate for the Edo South Senate seat.
The party challenged INEC to explain how the publication error occurred, noting that the responsibility for displaying candidates’ particulars rests solely with the electoral commission.
Beyond the issue of the publication, the NDC expressed concern over what it described as an orchestrated campaign of hate speech and attempts to ethnicise Mrs. Epelle-Asemota’s candidacy.
It rejected claims questioning her Edo and Benin heritage, stating that she is the daughter of a Benin mother, the younger sister of the Iyase of Benin, married into the prominent Asemota family, and has lived and worked in Benin throughout her life.
The statement highlighted her public service record, noting that she served Edo State for 35 years and previously contested the 2023 House of Representatives election under the Labour Party. It also listed her leadership roles, including serving 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 Nigeria, Secretary of the Trade Union Congress in Edo State, and a prominent member of the Obidient Movement.
The NDC said criticism of Mrs. Epelle-Asemota should be based on her political views or performance rather than her ethnicity or gender, describing such attacks as unacceptable.
The party also reiterated its commitment to promoting women, youths and persons with special needs, saying Mrs. Epelle-Asemota’s nomination reflected its deliberate policy of supporting qualified female candidates.
While acknowledging that other aspirants were qualified and remained valued members of the party, the NDC said Mrs. Epelle-Asemota emerged victorious in the party’s primary election and that it resisted pressure to substitute her candidature.
It added that disagreements arising from the primaries were not unique to the NDC and disclosed that a national reconciliation committee had already been established to address grievances and foster unity among members.
The party urged aggrieved members to avoid actions capable of undermining the party’s collective interest, insisting that all stakeholders should focus on strengthening the NDC ahead of future elections rather than deepening internal divisions.Headline: NDC Insists Epelle-Asemota Remains Edo South Senatorial Candidate, Blames INEC for Publication Error
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has reaffirmed that Mrs. Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte Osayuki remains its duly nominated candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District, alleging that an error by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led to the publication of incorrect details alongside her name.
In a statement signed by the party’s Director of New Media and Strategic Communication, Agada Abuh Theophilus, the NDC said that while INEC correctly published Mrs. Epelle-Asemota’s name in the list of candidates, it mistakenly attached the photograph and academic credentials of another aspirant.
The party described the incident as an “embarrassing mix-up,” blaming what it called “mischievous elements” within INEC for the error. It maintained that the name formally submitted to the electoral commission during the candidate nomination process was that of Mrs. Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte Osayuki, insisting that the successful upload of her particulars constituted the lawful act of sponsorship.
According to the NDC, the Constitution and the Electoral Act make it clear that only candidates formally sponsored and submitted by a political party can be recognised for an election. It therefore stressed that, in the eyes of the law, Mrs. Epelle-Asemota remains the party’s authentic candidate for the Edo South Senate seat.
The party challenged INEC to explain how the publication error occurred, noting that the responsibility for displaying candidates’ particulars rests solely with the electoral commission.
Beyond the issue of the publication, the NDC expressed concern over what it described as an orchestrated campaign of hate speech and attempts to ethnicise Mrs. Epelle-Asemota’s candidacy.
It rejected claims questioning her Edo and Benin heritage, stating that she is the daughter of a Benin mother, the younger sister of the Iyase of Benin, married into the prominent Asemota family, and has lived and worked in Benin throughout her life.
The statement highlighted her public service record, noting that she served Edo State for 35 years and previously contested the 2023 House of Representatives election under the Labour Party. It also listed her leadership roles, including serving 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 Nigeria, Secretary of the Trade Union Congress in Edo State, and a prominent member of the Obidient Movement.
The NDC said criticism of Mrs. Epelle-Asemota should be based on her political views or performance rather than her ethnicity or gender, describing such attacks as unacceptable.
The party also reiterated its commitment to promoting women, youths and persons with special needs, saying Mrs. Epelle-Asemota’s nomination reflected its deliberate policy of supporting qualified female candidates.
While acknowledging that other aspirants were qualified and remained valued members of the party, the NDC said Mrs. Epelle-Asemota emerged victorious in the party’s primary election and that it resisted pressure to substitute her candidature.
It added that disagreements arising from the primaries were not unique to the NDC and disclosed that a national reconciliation committee had already been established to address grievances and foster unity among members.
The party urged aggrieved members to avoid actions capable of undermining the party’s collective interest, insisting that all stakeholders should focus on strengthening the NDC ahead of future elections rather than deepening internal divisions.
