NDC rejects INEC mix-up and affirms Bridgitte Epelle-Asemota as Edo South candidate

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has stated that it is aware that last weekend’s publication of candidates’ particulars by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the Edo South Senatorial District contained an unfortunate error.

Agada Abuh Theophilus, Director of New Media and Strategic Communication for the NDC, said in a statement that the name and personal details of the NDC candidate, Bridgitte Epelle-Asemota, were correctly listed. However, the photograph and credentials of a different aspirant were superimposed on the document by INEC.

Party attributes errors to internal commission mischief

The NDC stated that the embarrassing mix-up was caused by mischievous elements within the electoral commission.

“The name submitted by our party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, to INEC as our candidate, as the annexure clearly shows, was Mrs Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte Osayuki,” the statement read.

“By the Constitution and the Electoral Act, no one can be a candidate of a political party unless sponsored by that party. Sponsorship is effected through the formal submission of the candidate’s name to the INEC. In this case, that process was duly followed in accordance with the law. We therefore wish to clarify that, in the eyes of the law, Mrs Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte Osayuki remains our candidate for Edo South Senatorial District”.

The party reiterated that it is not the responsibility of political organisations to post or publish the names of candidates, as that statutory duty rests solely with the commission. Consequently, the party demanded that INEC explain how the administrative error occurred.

Credentials and local standing of the candidate

Addressing recent political discourse, Theophilus stated that the NDC is neither an ethnic nor a religious party, but one open to all citizens. He noted that Epelle-Asemota is fully qualified to contest the legislative seat.

The candidate served for 35 years in various capacities within the Edo State public service and previously ran for the House of Representatives under the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections. She is married to retired Major-General Steve Asemota, a former General Officer Commanding of the 1 Division and younger brother to Chief Solomon Asemota, SAN.

The party condemned attempts by political opponents to ethnicise her candidacy. It stressed that while criticism of her platform and views remains legitimate, attacks based on her ethnicity or gender are unacceptable.

Reconciliation efforts and internal party unity

The NDC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting women, youths, and persons with special needs in public governance. Epelle-Asemota previously served as Chairman of the Principals’ Association of Edo State and was the pioneer female chairperson of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) in the state.

To address post-primary disagreements, the national leadership has established a reconciliation committee. The party noted that grievances are normal after competitive primaries and urged aggrieved members not to destabilise the organisation.

The NDC called on all leaders and stakeholders to focus on the broader objective, close ranks, and work collectively in the interest of the party ahead of the upcoming elections.