For the fourth consecutive attempt, the rerun election for Enugu South Urban State Constituency failed to take place on Saturday, plungingFor the fourth consecutive attempt, the rerun election for Enugu South Urban State Constituency failed to take place on Saturday, plunging the constituency into further uncertainty.
Chaos and confrontations between party operatives brought the voting to a standstill on Saturday, even though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), officials and election materials had been deployed well before the scheduled start.
The election was scheduled to commence at 8 a.m., but by that time, polling units were already crowded with supporters from rival parties, many carrying placards and engaging in verbal altercations.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Enugu State, Chukwuemeka Chukwu, confirmed that staff and election materials had been deployed as early as 7 a.m., but the process could not begin.
“People are not voting because unauthorized groups have invaded the polling units, carrying placards and creating confusion,” Chukwu said.
“This is the fourth time we are here for this rerun, and it is far from normal. We are appealing to all parties to allow voters to exercise their franchise without interference.”
Political tensions were palpable, with party leaders exchanging accusations. Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, who also served as an APC polling unit agent, blamed the opposition for the disruption.
“The election should have started by now, but hoodlums from the PDP are trying to scare voters away. We don’t want chaos because that could be exploited to invalidate the election. If the process cannot be completed today, we are prepared to remain until tomorrow to ensure voting takes place,” he said.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Sam Ngene, refuted these claims, arguing that his supporters were being intimidated instead.
“This is my stronghold, yet the minister is here with large groups attempting to frighten voters,” Ngene said.
“Additionally, the candidate slated to contest against me is currently serving a jail sentence. Allowing such a person to appear on the ballot is unconstitutional, and INEC must intervene to prevent a breach of the law.”
The Labour Party (LP) also expressed frustration at the disorganized conduct of the rerun. Hon. Chinweuba Ngwu, chairman of LP in Enugu South LGA, said, “since our arrival at 7 a.m., no accreditation has taken place. INEC needs to brief us on the status of the election and provide clear guidance on how this rerun will proceed.”
Protests broke out as some women accused politicians of influencing the election. They demanded that Labour Party (LP) candidate Bright Ngene be barred from running, citing his criminal record.
Ngene had previously been sentenced in July 2024 to seven years behind bars by an Enugu South Magistrates’ Court under Magistrate E. D. Onwu.
The conviction followed his 2017 prosecution, along with two others, by the Enugu State Police for mismanagement of a N15 million community development fund.
Residents expressed frustration over the prolonged absence of representation in the State Assembly, with some questioning whether future attempts would be successful.
The Enugu South Urban Constituency has remained without a representative since the 2023 elections, leaving residents concerned about the lack of legislative advocacy and development in the area.
The persistent delays in holding the rerun election have drawn criticism from civil society groups, who have called for strict enforcement of electoral laws and protection of voters’ rights.
INEC has yet to announce a new date for the rerun, stating only that it will review the situation before taking a decision.
Meanwhile, political observers warn that continued stalemates could further destabilize the constituency and undermine confidence in the electoral process.