BIBI Challenges Claim Over NDC Edo South Ticket, Cites Primary Results, Court Proceedings

Hon. Sunday Aguebor, popularly known as BIBI, has challenged claims surrounding the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidacy for Edo South Senatorial District, insisting that he remains the duly nominated candidate of the party for the 2027 senatorial election.

Aguebor, in a statement on the ongoing controversy, said documents available to him, including certified copies of electoral records and affidavits, support his claim to the NDC ticket.

He specifically cited an affidavit he said he swore to on June 30, 2026, before the Edo State High Court, arguing that the document was executed within the applicable electoral timetable.

Aguebor contrasted his affidavit with an affidavit allegedly sworn by Mrs. Epele Osayuki Asemota on August 3, 2026, describing the timing as coming after the NDC Edo South senatorial primary and after the July 7 deadline he cited for the submission of candidate information to INEC.

He questioned the basis of Asemota's claim, arguing that the timing of the document raises important questions that should be addressed through the appropriate legal and institutional channels.

According to Aguebor, the NDC conducted its Edo South senatorial primary across the seven local government areas of the district, with party officials and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) present.

He said the results were subsequently collated and that he was declared winner of the exercise.

Aguebor further stated that he had obtained a Certified True Copy of the primary election results from INEC which, according to him, records him as the winner of the Edo South senatorial primary.

Addressing the controversy over information published on the INEC portal, Aguebor alleged that there was a discrepancy between the photograph displayed and the name appearing on one of the pages of the candidate information.

He maintained that his photograph and credentials appeared on the relevant electoral documents, while questioning how another name could have appeared alongside his information.

Aguebor said the relevant electoral forms were personally completed and accompanied by his High Court affidavit before being submitted to the NDC, which subsequently forwarded the documents to INEC.

He called for clarification of the circumstances surrounding the alleged discrepancy, particularly if any alteration or unauthorized intervention occurred during the submission or publication process.

On the possibility of replacing his candidacy, Aguebor maintained that he had neither withdrawn from the election nor ceased to be eligible to contest.

He argued that any attempt to replace a duly nominated candidate must comply strictly with the provisions of the Electoral Act and applicable electoral regulations.

The controversy, according to Aguebor, is already before the courts.

He cited the case of EJ Agbonayima v. NDC and INEC before the Federal High Court in Abuja, stating that INEC submitted Certified True Copies of the Edo South senatorial primary results during the proceedings.

Aguebor further stated that the court subsequently ordered that he be joined as a party to the suit and disclosed that he is being represented by his legal team in the proceedings.

While expressing confidence in the judiciary, he called for the investigation of what he described as attempts to undermine the outcome of the NDC primary, saying anyone found culpable should face the appropriate legal consequences.

Aguebor also appealed to NDC members, supporters and residents of Edo South to remain peaceful and focused as the legal process continues.

He said his priority remains securing effective representation for the people of Edo South, with emphasis on economic development, youth empowerment, job creation, infrastructure and accountable leadership.

Aguebor reaffirmed his position that he remains the NDC candidate for Edo South Senatorial District, expressing confidence that the ongoing legal proceedings would ultimately establish the authentic outcome of the party's primary election.