The Nasarawa branch of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially dismissed the results of the Nasarawa North Senatorial District by-election. Party representatives have petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to annul the vote, citing significant electoral flaws.
Danjuma Joseph, the party’s Publicity Secretary, stated on Sunday that the NDC logo was missing from essential election documentation. The party noted that a different, unauthorized symbol appeared on ballot papers instead of their official logo, which likely misled voters. Furthermore, the party reported that their logo was omitted from result sheets, and their agents were blocked from signing collation documents at the ward, local government, and state levels.
The NDC pointed out a discrepancy, noting that their correct symbol was utilized by INEC during a separate by-election in Enugu State held on the same day. Additionally, the party alleged that malfunctioning BVAS technology at several polling units compromised the integrity of the process. They also accused officials of manipulating results to favor the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, though they offered no concrete proof.
Consequently, the NDC has refused to accept the outcome and intends to contest the results in court. This by-election was held to fill the seat left vacant after the passing of Senator Godiya Akwashiki. INEC has not yet issued a formal statement addressing these claims.
