One of the placards displayed by protesters challenging inclusion of the convicted LP candidates on the ballot
By GMTNewsng
The political atmosphere in Enugu was charged with drama on Saturday as an incarcerated Labour Party candidate, Bright Ngene, continued to dominate the spotlight in the hotly contested Enugu South Urban State Constituency by-election. The rerun, which has faced multiple postponements in the past year, turned chaotic following allegations of disruption leveled against the Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji.
Hundreds of residents stormed the polling venue, protesting the continued inclusion of Bright Ngene.- already convicted and serving a prison sentence over a community-related matter – on the ballot. Despite his incarceration, the Labour Party candidate remains a strong contender, with loyal supporters insisting on his mandate. Also spotted at the venue was the Labour Party Senator representing Enugu East Senatorial Zone, Kelvin Chukwu, who joined party members in monitoring proceedings. His presence underscored the party’s determination to stand firmly behind their embattled candidate.
Some Enugu residents protesting the inclusion of convicted and incarcerated Labour Party candidate, Bright Ngene on the ballot
Speaking to journalists at his polling unit, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate and former lawmaker, Sam Ngene, accused political heavyweights of attempting to hijack the process. “We are here as PDP to conduct this election because we know that this is my stronghold, this is my ward, and my polling unit is one of the places that had this problem,” he said. He specifically accused the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, of storming the polling unit with alleged thugs to intimidate voters.
“The first time, it was Senator Kelvin Chukwu from Nkanu West and some other people who were not supposed to be here. They disrupted this election. The second time, the same thing happened. This third time again, we are announcing that the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji, is also here, and I am wondering why he came. He came in here with hoodlums, with intimidation, disrupting this election and making sure that it does not hold,” Sam Ngene alleged. He also questioned the credibility of the process, pointing to his Labour Party rival: “Ask yourself, who are we even contesting with? Somebody is behind bars for fraudulent activity – convicted and sentenced – and he is still on the ballot. Is that supposed to be so? The answer is no. The constitution is very clear: if you are convicted or if you are an ex-convict, you cannot stand for any election. You can’t even vote. You have lost your freedom completely.”
Electorate wandering around at the polling unit
Minister Uche Nnaji, who appeared at the polling unit wearing his APC agent tag, swiftly dismissed the allegations, insisting his presence was legitimate. “I am an APC man, and that is why I was appointed. I remain an APC man. I am the leader of APC in the state, and on that basis, I am the polling unit agent of APC. You can see my tag, so I am here rightfully,” the minister declared. He denied bringing hoodlums to the venue, stressing instead: “I don’t carry hoodlums. I carry policemen, army, and DSS – people that are friendly to the public, people that are law-abiding, people mandated by law to protect lives and property. That is what I use.”
Reacting to the rising tension, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Enugu, Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, appealed for restraint and urged stakeholders to allow the process to conclude peacefully. “You can see the good number of political bigwigs present here today from the PDP, APC, and Labour Party. Many people are here, either to vote or to observe. However, according to one of our Corps members presiding over this election, some voters are saying they will not cast their votes unless the candidate currently in prison; who they allege isn’t constitutionally qualified is disqualified from contesting,” Dr. Chukwu explained. He went on: “So, I am pleading with members of the public and the good people of Enugu to kindly allow us to conclude this process today. This is my prayer. Let all of us conduct ourselves properly, regardless of our positions in society. This is the fourth time we are coming out for this election, and I am appealing to everyone to cooperate.”
Corps members serving as INEC adhoc staff
The REC further expressed concern over the unusually large turnout at the polling centre, urging political leaders not to inflame passions. “I honestly do not know why this place is even this crowded; it is not supposed to be so. Therefore, I am pleading with all stakeholders in Enugu State; let us not create problems in this election. Please, that is my prayer and my request,” he added. GMTNewsng
