The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has reaffirmed that Mrs. Epelle-Asemota Osayuki remains its validly nominated candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District, despite discrepancies in the particulars published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the party’s Director of New Media and Strategic Communication, Agada Theophilus, attributed the confusion to an administrative error by INEC.
According to the NDC, the electoral commission correctly published Osayuki’s name and personal information but mistakenly attached the photograph of another aspirant and the credentials belonging to a different individual.
The party insisted that it duly submitted Osayuki’s nomination documents, including her passport photograph and academic credentials, in line with the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
It stressed that the publication of candidates’ particulars is solely the responsibility of INEC and argued that the successful upload of Osayuki’s details to the commission’s nomination portal confirms that she was properly sponsored by the party.
The NDC called on INEC to clarify how the apparent mix-up occurred and to correct the error without delay.
The party also dismissed claims challenging Osayuki’s eligibility on ethnic grounds, describing them as a coordinated attempt to tarnish her reputation and weaken her candidacy.
According to the statement, Osayuki is a Nigerian of Benin ancestry who has lived and worked in Benin for decades and is married into the respected Asemota family.
Highlighting her credentials, the NDC described Osayuki as an accomplished public servant who served for 35 years in the Edo State civil service. It noted that she previously held key leadership positions, including serving as Chairman of the Principals’ Association of Edo State, becoming the first female National Chairperson of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), and serving as Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Edo State.
The party further stated that Osayuki is a prominent member of the Obidient Movement and emerged victorious in the party’s primary election for the Edo South Senatorial ticket.
The NDC said her emergence reflects its commitment to promoting women, young people and persons with special needs, maintaining that she remains the party’s authentic candidate for the senatorial election.
While acknowledging the disappointment of some unsuccessful aspirants, the party urged them to avoid actions capable of undermining party unity.
It added that a national reconciliation committee has already been established to address grievances arising from the primaries and appealed to party leaders to support efforts aimed at resolving all outstanding disputes.
The NDC also rejected allegations that its candidates were imposed by the national leadership, insisting that state executives conducted the primary elections, while the national leadership only intervened to harmonise interests and settle disputes that could not be resolved at the state level.