Key Facts
- INEC upload
- INEC reportedly uploaded Hon. Sunny Aguebor's photograph as NDC candidate for Edo South.
- Second aspirant
- Mrs Epelle-Asemota Beigiditte Osayuki's particulars also appeared on the portal.
- Dispute
- Both aspirants claim the party's senatorial ticket for Edo South.
- Aguebor's stance
- He insists he is the only authentic candidate and calls the upload an anomaly.
- Asemota's stance
- She says the party and INEC are handling the matter.
Background
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently uploaded candidate particulars on its portal ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections. The upload has triggered a fresh crisis within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), as two aspirants now lay claim to the party's candidacy for the same elective position in Edo State.
According to DAILY POST, INEC reportedly uploaded the photograph of Hon. Sunny Aguebor as the party's candidate for Edo South Senatorial District. The commission also reportedly uploaded the particulars of another aspirant, Mrs Epelle-Asemota Beigiditte Osayuki, alongside Hon. Aguebor's photograph.
The development has created confusion among party members and supporters, as well as between the two aspirants, raising questions about who is the authentic NDC candidate for the Edo South contest.
Current Situation
The dual upload has pitched both aspirants against each other over the party's senatorial ticket. Hon. Aguebor insists he remains the only authentic candidate, describing the discrepancy as an anomaly and alleging possible mischief or an error in the uploading process.
Aguebor maintained that the party's position on its candidate was clear, adding that the appearance of another aspirant's name and particulars alongside his photograph on the INEC portal did not alter his status as the party's candidate.
Mrs Asemota, whose name and particulars appeared on the document uploaded to the commission's portal, declared that the matter was already being handled by the appropriate authorities. She said, "I am not really disposed to making comments on it now because the party is handling it and INEC is handling it as well. I will leave it at that."
| Aspirant | Claim | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Hon. Sunny Aguebor | Only authentic candidate | Described discrepancy as anomaly, alleged mischief or error |
| Mrs Epelle-Asemota Beigiditte Osayuki | Name and particulars uploaded | Matter being handled by party and INEC |
Impacts
The clash could affect the NDC's preparations for the 2027 elections in Edo South, potentially confusing voters and undermining confidence in the party's internal processes. Party members and supporters may face uncertainty about which candidate to support, and the dispute could distract from campaign activities.
If the matter is not resolved quickly, it may also invite legal challenges or intervention by INEC, which could delay the finalisation of the party's candidate list. The credibility of the NDC's nomination process could be called into question, affecting its standing with the electorate.
The immediate impact is on the two aspirants themselves, whose campaigns may be stalled while the party and INEC address the discrepancy. The confusion could also create an opening for rival parties in the senatorial district.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the party and INEC resolve the discrepancy quickly, the NDC may be able to present a unified candidate and move forward with its campaign. However, if the dispute persists, it could lead to internal divisions and possibly legal action, which may weaken the party's chances in the 2027 election.
Should INEC clarify that only one candidate is valid, the other aspirant may accept the decision or challenge it through internal party mechanisms or the courts. The outcome remains uncertain, and the party's ability to manage the crisis will be crucial.
Observers will watch whether the NDC can maintain discipline and present a single candidate. If not, the party may face a split, potentially benefiting other parties in Edo South. The situation could also prompt INEC to review its upload procedures to avoid similar errors in the future.
Source: dailypost.ng
