The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the victory of Labour Party candidate Mr Bright Ngene in the recent Enugu South 1 Constituency bye-election, describing it as a victory for democracy and the people’s mandate. In a statement signed by APC State Chairman Barrister Ugochukwu Agballah, the party also lauded the presence of Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, whose role ensured transparency and helped prevent electoral manipulation amid intense political pressure.
Barrister Agballah expressed gratitude to various political leaders including Labour Party Senator Kelvin Chukwu, and APC federal lawmakers Hon. Chimobi Atu and Hon. Paul Nnamchi, alongside members of both party executives in Enugu, for “standing firm to defend the franchise and the true will of the electorate.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally declared Bright Ngene winner following court-ordered re-run elections, resolving a protracted dispute that had disrupted electoral processes in eight polling units. INEC National Commissioner Sam Olumekun confirmed the outcome, noting that “after initial disruption, the elections were concluded and the rightful candidate declared.”
Agballah reflected on historic electoral challenges in Enugu, revealing, “I too have been a victim of rigging in 2003 and 2007 despite winning popular votes. The rigging of 2003 is the last we will tolerate. This victory shows the people of Enugu are reclaiming their vote.”
He assured that APC remains committed to supporting Ngene’s legal efforts for his freedom and formal assumption of the seat, currently vacant for over two years. Agballah urged Mr Sam Ngene of the PDP, Ngene’s closest rival, to accept the results with statesmanship and “look forward to new opportunities.”
