Edo South NDC Ticket: BIBI Insists He Won Primary, Challenges Asemota’s Candidacy
Aguebor Cites May 29 Primary, INEC Documents in Dispute Over 2027 Senatorial Ticket
Hon. Dr. Sunny Aguebor, popularly known as BIBI, has reiterated his position that he won the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary election for Edo South Senatorial District, insisting that the controversy surrounding the party’s ticket should be resolved in accordance with the evidence before the court.
In a rejoinder issued by Aguebor himself, he disputed claims attributed to Mrs. Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte Osayuki concerning the ongoing legal dispute over the NDC’s nomination for the 2027 general elections.
Aguebor maintained that he emerged as the winner of the Edo South senatorial primary conducted on May 29, 2026, while Asemota was declared the winner of the party’s primary for Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency.
He argued that the two contests were distinct, involving different constituencies and separate electoral mandates, and maintained that the outcome of one primary should not be confused with that of the other.
Aguebor Cites INEC Documents
Aguebor further claimed that Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the primary election records obtained from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) identified him as the winner of the Edo South senatorial primary.
He also alleged that the documents identified Asemota as the winner of the Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency primary.
According to him, the documents should be considered in determining the dispute over the senatorial ticket.
The controversy surrounding the nomination has previously attracted media attention following discrepancies reported in the candidate particulars published by INEC in August 2026.
An Independent newspaper report published on August 5, 2026, highlighted questions arising from the publication, which reportedly displayed Aguebor’s photograph and personal details alongside Asemota’s name on a nomination form.
The NDC’s national leadership, however, subsequently maintained that Asemota remained its candidate for Edo South, attributing the discrepancy to an error in the publication of candidates’ particulars by INEC.
Aguebor Alleges Irregularities
In his rejoinder, Aguebor alleged that Asemota’s name was inserted into a page of Form EC9 associated with his nomination documents.
He described the alleged insertion as a serious irregularity and said he had approached INEC and the NDC leadership to seek clarification and correction.
Aguebor further stated that he had taken legal steps to challenge the disputed nomination and obtain a judicial determination of the issues surrounding the party’s senatorial ticket.
The allegations remain claims made by Aguebor and have not been presented as findings established by a court.
Dispute Also Features in Agbonayinma’s Suit
The controversy has also featured in a separate legal action instituted by former lawmaker Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, who is challenging the emergence of Aguebor and Asemota as NDC candidates for Edo South.
According to reports published in September, the Federal High Court in Abuja fixed November 26, 2026, for judgment in Agbonayinma’s suit after lawyers adopted their final arguments.
Agbonayinma contends that he secured the highest number of lawful votes in the May 29 primary and was subsequently replaced. Aguebor, in his counter-affidavit, maintained that he won the contest.
The case places the competing claims over the party’s nomination before the court for determination.
Aguebor Calls for Due Process
Aguebor urged party members and the public to scrutinise the available records and allow the judicial process to determine the dispute.
He maintained that the outcome of the primary should be established through verifiable documents, applicable electoral laws and the party’s rules rather than competing public statements.
He also called on supporters to remain calm while the legal proceedings continue, expressing confidence that the court would examine the evidence presented by the parties.
The dispute highlights the importance of transparency in party primaries, accurate documentation of candidates’ particulars and compliance with electoral procedures.
Ultimately, the legal questions surrounding the NDC’s Edo South senatorial ticket remain subject to judicial determination. Until the relevant court delivers its decision, the competing claims should be distinguished from any final legal finding on who is entitled to the party’s nomination.
