The recent upload of candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general elections has triggered a major dispute within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), as two aspirants now claim to be the party’s official candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District. The controversy erupted after INEC’s portal displayed the photograph of Hon. Sunny Aguebor alongside the particulars of Mrs. Epelle-Asemota Beigiditte Osayuki, raising confusion among party members and supporters. This development has intensified internal tensions within the NDC, casting doubt on who truly represents the party in the upcoming senatorial race.
According to reports from DAILY POST, INEC uploaded Hon. Aguebor’s image as the designated candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District. However, the same document also included Mrs. Asemota’s name and details, creating an apparent contradiction. The simultaneous appearance of both names on the commission’s platform has led to widespread speculation about possible errors or deliberate manipulation in the candidate upload process. Party officials and members are now scrambling to clarify the situation before it escalates further.
Hon. Aguebor, asserting his position, stated that he remains the only authentic candidate of the NDC for the Edo South contest. He described the inclusion of Mrs. Asemota’s information as an anomaly and suggested it could be the result of human error or intentional mischief. Despite the technical discrepancy, Aguebor emphasized that the party’s official stance had not changed and that his status as the candidate was undisputed. He urged calm and called for the matter to be resolved through proper channels.
On the other hand, Mrs. Asemota declined to comment extensively on the issue, citing ongoing investigations by both the party and INEC. She stated, “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.” Her cautious response suggests she is awaiting official clarification rather than engaging in public confrontation. This approach may reflect an effort to avoid further inflaming tensions within the party.
The incident highlights growing challenges facing political parties in Nigeria as they prepare for the 2027 elections. Issues around candidate nomination, transparency, and electoral processes continue to surface, often leading to internal conflicts and public uncertainty. As INEC and the NDC work to resolve the discrepancy, the outcome will have implications for party unity and voter confidence in the electoral system. The resolution of this dispute will be closely watched by political observers and stakeholders across Edo State and beyond.
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