Confusion has engulfed Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Edo South Senatorial District took a fresh twist as two candidates are laying claim to the district’s senatorial ticket for the 2027 National Assembly election.
The media reports that the crisis emanated from discrepancies in the candidates’ information recently uploaded on the portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
At the Ikpoba Hill headquarters of INEC in Benin City, it was observed that although the name of the female candidate, Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte Osayuki, and her particulars appeared on the list published by INEC, the photograph displayed alongside her particulars was that of Sunny Aguebor.
The conflicting information has resulted in both aspirants being associated with the party’s senatorial ticket, raising questions over who is the authentic NDC candidate for the Edo South contest.
The development has caused tension and confusion among members and supporters of both aspirants.
Speaking on the development, Aguebor told journalists that he remained the only authentic candidate of the party for the Edo South senatorial election. He described the discrepancy as an anomaly, attributing it to what he described as possible mischief or an error in uploading the candidate’s information.
According to him, the NDC was clear on its position, noting 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.
On her part, Asemota, whose name and particulars appeared on the document uploaded on INEC’s portal, declined to comment extensively on the controversy, saying the matter was already being handled by the party and INEC.
“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,” she said.