NDC Senate 'candidate', Ossai, fumes over alleged exclusion from Enugu North Senatorial Bye-Election

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Senate candidate for Enugu North Senatorial bye-election, Bishop Okwudili Ossai, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of unlawfully removing his name and party from the ballot for the June 20 bye-election.

A bye-election has been scheduled by INEC to take place in the senatorial district to replace Late Senator Okey Ezea who passed away last year.

Ossai said INEC has no power to exclude a political party or candidate that has met all requirements for any election and warned the electoral umpire to reinstate his name as quick as possible. 

When contacted, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Enugu state, Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwuma said he will not respond to a telephone interview.

“INEC has no right to remove the name of any political party. INEC is simply a referee, not a coach. The position of INEC is to prepare the political parties and then present them to the people," Ossai fumed.

The NDC candidate claimed the party notified INEC of its primaries and candidacy and that he has documents to prove compliance.

“We have fulfilled all the rights and privileges that the party deserves. INEC was informed about our candidacy. INEC was informed about our primaries,” Ossai insisted.

He disclosed that the party has gone to court over the matter, with a hearing scheduled for Wednesday, alleged that INEC in Enugu state is compromised and serving interests other than those of the electorates.

“INEC in Enugu is working for themselves, not for us. INEC is supposed to be an independent national electoral body, not a biased electoral body.”

Ossai assured voters in Enugu North that his name will appear on the ballot for the election slated for June 28. 

“INEC has no option than to include my name in the election. They have no option. They cannot do anything that will keep the name off,” he said.