The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has insisted that an alleged publication error by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not affect the identity of its candidate, dismissing speculation over the party’s nomination.
In a statement released Wednesday by Agada Abuh Theophilus, the NDC’s Director of New Media and Strategic Communication, the party affirmed that Mrs. Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte Osayuki is their officially sponsored candidate for the senatorial election.
“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.” the statement said.
The party said the error was purely administrative and had no bearing on the validity of its candidate’s nomination or its participation in the electoral process.
“The mix-up was an embarrassing error caused by some persons within INEC. We properly submitted Mrs Epelle-Asemota’s name, passport photograph and credentials to the commission in line with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.”the party said.
The party urged its members and supporters to disregard reports suggesting that the publication error could invalidate its candidate, describing such claims as misleading and unfounded.
According to the NDC, it has already engaged the electoral commission on the matter and expressed confidence that the error would be corrected through the appropriate administrative process.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to participating fully in the election, stressing that the publication error does not change its candidate or affect its preparations for the poll.
