The much-anticipated by-election for the Enugu South Urban Constituency ended in frustration on Saturday as voting failed to take place for the fourth consecutive time, despite a significant voter turnout at the designated Uwani Secondary School polling centre.
Although officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present and appeared prepared, the process could not commence due to the absence of sensitive materials, including result sheets.
By 3:20 pm, with no voting activity in sight, the polling unit was shut down and electoral materials packed up.
Speaking to reporters, Enugu State Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu expressed disappointment at the continued failure to conduct the election.
“This is the fourth attempt, and we are still unable to hold the by-election. I appeal to all political actors to exercise restraint and allow the process to proceed peacefully. The people of Enugu deserve the right to vote and be represented,” he said.
PDP candidate, Sam Ngene blamed the delay on political interference, naming high-profile figures such as Senator Kelvin Chukwu and Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji, who he accused of disrupting the process.
Responding, Minister Uche Nnaji defended his presence at the polling unit, stating:
“I’m here as the APC leader in Enugu State. I have every right to be present. The PDP knows it cannot win this election. If it’s not concluded today, we will remain here until it is.”
Meanwhile, LP’s Enugu South Chairman, Chinwuba Ngwu, also expressed frustration with INEC.
“We’ve been here since 7 am, but there’s been no accreditation or voting. INEC hasn’t communicated anything. It’s total silence,” he lamented.
The seat became vacant after the State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal nullified the March 18, 2023 election results, citing irregularities.
A rerun was ordered in eight polling units, covering 4,618 registered voters.
In the original vote, Bright Ngene (LP) was declared the winner with 5,862 votes, defeating Sam Ngene (PDP) by over 2,000 votes.
This marks the fourth failed attempt to conduct the rerun, previous efforts were scheduled for February 3, February 14, and June 8, 2024, all ending in chaos or postponement.
