Mr Santus Ofana, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, has reaffirmed his victory in the party’s primary election, urging party members and supporters to disregard claims challenging the outcome of the exercise.
Ofana made the clarification at a news conference on Friday, insisting that the primary election was conducted by officials duly appointed by the party’s National Secretariat and that the results announced remained valid.
According to him, the officials assigned to conduct the exercise in Cross River carried out their responsibilities in line with the party’s guidelines and procedures.
“The primary election was conducted by officials duly appointed and authorised by the National Secretariat of our party.
“At the conclusion of the process, I emerged with the majority of votes and was duly returned as the party’s candidate for the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency election,” he said.
Ofana said anyone seeking clarification on the outcome of the primary should verify the results with the designated officials and relevant organs of the party.
He alleged that some individuals were circulating false information to create confusion about the outcome of the exercise, adding that such claims could not overturn the result of a transparent and duly conducted primary election.
The NDC candidate thanked delegates, stakeholders and supporters for their confidence in him and expressed optimism about the party’s chances in the forthcoming election.
“We remain focused on the task ahead and are committed to offering quality representation to the people of Ogoja and Yala,” he said.
Ofana emerged winner of the NDC primary for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency after polling the highest number of votes among six aspirants.
Party officials who conducted the exercise included Raymond Ayim and Udey Patrick Murphy for Ogoja Local Government Area, and Oko Francis Ogar and Thomas Odey Otunu for Yala Local Government Area.
According to the results announced by the officials, Ofana secured the party’s House of Representatives ticket with 395 votes. (NAN)
