Oamen Denies Stepping Down For Rival, Insists He Remains NDC Candidate For Esan North East Constituency II
Comrade Stanley Oamen (CSO), an aspirant for the Esan North East Constituency II seat in the Edo State House of Assembly under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has dismissed reports suggesting that he has withdrawn from the race in favour of Mr. Thadeus Irabor.
In a public statement made available to the media, Oamen described the claims as false, misleading, and aimed at creating confusion among party members, supporters, and residents of Uromi and Uzea.
He maintained that he remains the duly elected winner of the party's primary election for the constituency and has neither stepped down nor relinquished his mandate to any individual.
"For the purpose of clarity, I remain the duly elected winner of the primary election conducted for the Esan North East Constituency II ticket under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). At no time have I withdrawn, stepped down, or relinquished my mandate to any individual," he stated.
Oamen further alleged that Mr. Thadeus Irabor purchased an Expression of Interest Form after the party's screening exercise had already been concluded, a development he said was contrary to the electoral guidelines and procedures of the party.
According to him, any nomination form subsequently issued under such circumstances raises serious questions about the process through which it was obtained.
The aspirant said he remains committed to pursuing all lawful and constitutional means to protect what he described as the mandate freely given to him by party members during the primary election.
"As a comrade who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, fairness, and due process, I will continue to pursue all lawful and constitutional avenues to protect the mandate freely given to me by party members," he said.
Oamen disclosed that he has formally submitted two petitions to the leadership of the NDC seeking clarification and redress regarding the issues raised. He noted that although he is yet to receive an official response, he remains confident that the party leadership will uphold justice, transparency, and due process.
He called on supporters, stakeholders, and members of the public to remain calm and ignore rumours capable of causing unnecessary distractions.
Oamen urged party faithful to remain steadfast while awaiting the party's decision, expressing optimism that the leadership of the NDC would act in the interest of justice, democracy, and the people of Esan North East Constituency II.
The development comes amid growing interest in the political contest for the constituency ahead of future electoral activities in Edo State.
