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The controversy over the African Democratic Congress (ADC) House of Representatives ticket for Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency has deepened, with the Bright Campaign Organisation rejecting the alleged substitution of its candidate, Egharevba Bright Osakpamwan.
The campaign organization, in a statement issued by its spokesman, Onyia Harrison, insisted that Bright remains the duly nominated candidate of the party after emerging from the ADC primary election.
It alleged that Bright fulfilled all the requirements for the primary, including purchasing the nomination form, paying the prescribed fees, submitting the required documents and participating in the party’s primary election.
The campaign also alleged that Deacon Festus Osaigbovo Osagie, who it said lost the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) House of Representatives primary, subsequently sought the ADC ticket without purchasing the party’s nomination form or participating in its primary election.
The reaction followed the appearance of Osaigbovo’s name and credentials on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) candidate portal, which the Bright Campaign organization described as contrary to the outcome of the ADC primary.
The organisation called on the ADC leadership and INEC to clarify the circumstances surrounding the upload of Osaigbovo’s credentials and ensure that the candidate produced through the party’s primary election is recognised.
It also urged prominent ADC stakeholders, including former Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Senator Ehigie Uzamere and Prof. Osariemen Osunbor, to make public records and resolutions relating to the conduct of the primary and the submission of the party’s candidate to INEC.
The campaign said it had documentary evidence, including payment receipts, nomination forms and primary election records, to support its position, adding that it would pursue all lawful means to protect what it described as Bright’s mandate.
However, reacting to the controversy, Osaigbovo said the decision on who represents the ADC rests with the party and not with Bright.
“It is the party’s decision to choose whoever represents them. Is it Egharevba that will choose who represents ADC? Whatever he is doing is his own decision,” Osaigbovo said.
