In a statement released on Monday, Ossai argued that the June 20 by-election failed to meet acceptable democratic standards, insisting that the results announced did not reflect the true will of the electorate. According to the cleric-turned-politician, the party's decision followed an extensive assessment of the election by its officials, agents, supporters, and other stakeholders involved in the process. Ossai maintained that the NDC could not accept the outcome declared by the electoral authorities, alleging that the exercise lacked the transparency, credibility, and fairness expected of a democratic election. He listed several concerns, including the alleged non-use of the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in some polling units, failure to electronically transmit results in certain areas, and inconsistencies between polling unit results and figures recorded during collation. The NDC candidate also accused some political actors of engaging in vote-buying and voter inducement. He further alleged that incidents of voter intimidation, violence, and manipulation of electoral materials were recorded during the exercise. Ossai claimed that some ad hoc personnel engaged by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a development he said compromised the neutrality of the electoral process. He argued that the alleged irregularities raised serious questions about the integrity of the election and whether the declared results genuinely represented the wishes of voters in the district. The politician disclosed that the party had begun gathering evidence, including witness statements, polling unit records, video footage, and other relevant materials, as part of preparations to challenge the outcome through legal means. "Our legal team has commenced the collection and documentation of evidence for presentation before the appropriate legal and constitutional authorities," he stated. Ossai also expressed concern over reports of harassment, intimidation, and violence allegedly experienced by voters, party agents, and supporters during the election. He called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the allegations and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. In addition, he urged INEC, election observers, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to review the conduct of the by-election in order to strengthen public trust in future electoral processes. Despite his rejection of the result, Ossai appealed to his supporters and residents of Enugu North Senatorial District to remain peaceful and law-abiding while the party pursues legal remedies. He thanked voters for their support throughout the campaign and election period, reaffirming his commitment to democratic values and electoral integrity. "We remain committed to pursuing justice, fairness, and the progress of our people through peaceful and lawful means," he said. The Enugu North Senatorial District by-election was held on June 20 to fill a vacant seat in the National Assembly, with several political parties fielding candidates while election observers and security agencies monitored the process.The candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the recent Enugu North Senatorial District by-election, Bishop Oscar Ossai, has rejected the outcome of the poll, citing what he described as widespread electoral irregularities and malpractice.
