…Fourth Failed Attempt as Polling Unit Closes Without Voting
Despite a significant turnout of voters at Uwani Secondary School, the designated polling venue for the Enugu South Urban Constituency by-election, no ballots were cast on Saturday.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had set up election materials, but voting did not commence due to the unavailability of sensitive materials like result sheets.
Tensions rose as a group of women protested, alleging undue interference by politicians and seeking disqualification of the Labour Party candidate over a criminal conviction.
Controversy Over Candidate’s Conviction
The Labour Party candidate was reportedly sentenced to seven years in prison in July 2024 by an Enugu South Magistrates’ Court for a N15 million community development fund scandal.
The judgment is under appeal. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Sam Ngene, expressed frustration over the delay, stating that his opponent is “behind bars” and citing constitutional provisions barring convicts from contesting elections.
Stakeholders React Amidst Impasse
Enugu State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, lamented the lack of progress, urging politicians to allow the process to conclude.
“This is the fourth time this by-election has been attempted without success. I am pleading with all stakeholders to behave responsibly and allow us to conclude this process. The people of Enugu deserve a fair election,” he said.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, defended his presence at the polling venue, stating he was acting as APC leader in Enugu State.
“I have a right to be here because I am the leader of my party in the state,” he said.
LP Chairman in Enugu South, Chinwuba Ngwu, criticized the lack of progress, saying, “We have been here since 7 a.m. There is no accreditation, no voting, and no information from INEC. We are in the dark.”
Background and Updates
The seat has been vacant since the State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal nullified the March 18, 2023, election results and ordered a rerun in eight polling units with 4,618 registered voters.
INEC has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the inconclusive by-election, marking the fourth failed attempt on February 3, February 14, June 8, and now Saturday.
