The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has insisted that an error in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) publication of candidates’ particulars does not affect its choice of candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the party’s Director of New Media and Strategic Communication, Agada Abuh Theophilus, the NDC said Mrs Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte Osayuki remains its officially sponsored candidate for the senatorial election.

The party explained that although INEC correctly published Mrs Epelle-Asemota’s name and personal details, the commission mistakenly attached another aspirant’s photograph and credentials.

“The mix-up was an embarrassing error caused by some persons within INEC. We properly submitted Mrs Epelle-Asemota’s name, passport photograph and credentials to the commission in line with the Constitution and the Electoral Act,” the party said.

It added that under the Constitution and the Electoral Act, only a political party can sponsor a candidate through the formal submission of the candidate’s name to INEC.

“By the Constitution and the Electoral Act, no one can be a candidate of a political party unless sponsored by that party. Sponsorship is effected through the formal submission of the candidate’s name to INEC. In this case, that process was duly followed,” the statement added.

The NDC maintained that Mrs Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte Osayuki remains its duly recognised candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District.

The party said it had evidence showing the successful upload of her details and stressed that publishing candidates’ particulars is solely the responsibility of INEC. It also called on the commission to explain how the error occurred.

The NDC further condemned what it described as an organised campaign to challenge Mrs Epelle-Asemota’s candidacy on ethnic grounds, insisting that she is a Nigerian citizen of Benin ancestry who has lived and worked in Benin throughout her life.

While acknowledging that some aspirants were disappointed by the outcome of the party’s primaries, the NDC urged them not to take actions that could undermine the party.