The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, for his bold defense of democracy during the Enugu South 1 Constituency re-run election.
APC chairman, Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah, said Nnaji’s presence at the polling venue stopped attempts by political actors to manipulate the process.
“His courage assured the people that democracy thrives when leaders stand firm,” Agballah noted.
Labour Party’s Bright Ngene Declared Winner
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed Labour Party candidate, Barr. Bright Ngene, as winner of the re-run. Ngene, currently serving a prison sentence over an alleged community fund scandal, secured 5,862 votes. His closest rival, PDP’s Sam Ngene, polled 2,000 votes.
INEC National Commissioner, Sam Olumekun, explained that after several disruptions, the poll was concluded in eight affected polling units with 4,616 registered voters.
APC Reiterates Support for Labour Party Candidate
Agballah congratulated Bright Ngene and assured him of APC’s support in protecting his mandate and pursuing his legal battle. He urged PDP’s Sam Ngene to accept defeat with maturity.
“You fought gallantly. As a Christian and leader, congratulate your brother and move on. Tomorrow offers fresh opportunities,” he advised.
Democracy and Lessons for Enugu Politics
The APC chairman praised other political leaders, including Senator Kelvin Chukwu of Labour Party and APC lawmakers Hon. Chimobi Atu and Hon. Paul Nnamchi, for resisting electoral malpractice.
He described the result as proof that Enugu people reject rigging, recalling alleged manipulations in 2003 and 2007. According to him, the 2023 governorship was “stolen” from Labour Party, stressing that collective resistance is the only way to secure people’s votes.
Observers maintain that Bright Ngene’s imprisonment is politically motivated, linking it to the long-standing battle for the Enugu South seat, vacant for more than two years.
